Garry Don McKinney

It is with saddened hearts, we tell you that Don passed away August 16, 2025, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away at home with his family by his side.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home Chapel, with a private burial following. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, Friday August 22, 2025, and Don will lie in state for visitation Thursday, August 21, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Don was born to Iris and Sidney McKinney in Abilene, Texas, on May 1, 1950. He grew up in Abilene and attended Abilene public schools, graduating from Cooper High School in 1968. He attended McMurry College and graduated with a BBA in marketing. After finishing college, Don started his career with Armour Foods.

In 1975, Don met Jean Goble at a friend’s party, and their long-distance romance began. After Jean graduated from Baylor University, they married March 27, 1976. On March 31, 1986, they were blessed with their daughter, Sydney.

They started their marriage in Shreveport, Louisiana, and then moved to Abilene, where he was employed by the General Adjustment Bureau. In January 1981, they moved to Waco to join Jean’s father at Dumas & Goble Insurance Agency, which later became Brazos Valley Insurance Agency. Jean and Don owned the agency and serviced their customers until January 2024.

Don loved the community of Waco and served many organizations, which included the Waco Crimestoppers Board, the Waco Building Standards Commission, the Mountainview Neighborhood Association, and the Independent Insurance Agents of McLennan County. He was most passionate about his longstanding service as President of the Board of Regents at Stilwell Retirement Residence. Stilwell was dear to his heart.

Don did not know a stranger and was loved by many. He always loved a party, having a drink on Tuesday and Thursday at Ridgewood County Club, and weekends at his deer lease. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and reading articles. He was a true friend to all.

Don was preceded in death by his mother and father; father-in-law, John Goble and wife Georgette; and brother, Mac McKinney and wife Anna.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Jean Goble McKinney. Don is also survived by his daughter, Sydney McKinney Hampton and her husband, Dr. Hunter Hampton, and granddaughter, Iris Anna Hampton, who lovingly called him “Bogey.” He is also survived by brother-in-law, John Goble Jr. and wife Nancy, and niece and nephew Aimee Fowell and Matthew McKinney.

We would like to thank the loving care of Dr. Bond Browder, Dr. Sherwin Attai, and all the staff and nurses at Halcyon Homecare for their support, specifically Trina, Joe, and Latoria. We are especially thankful for Victoria and Eva, who were wonderful caregivers.

Pallbearers will be Chris Anderson, Gary Carter, Coleman Hampton, Keith Rowland, Dillon Short and Stephen Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be the friends from cardio rehab, golf, and the deer lease. He loved them all and enjoyed being with each group.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stilwell Retirement Residence, 5400 Laurel Lake, Waco, TX 76710.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Don in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.