MSG (RET) Cortez McKinnis, Jr., 87, of Junction City, KS was called to his eternal rest on 25 November 2023 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS.
Cortez was born on 1 March 1936 in Gunnison Township, MS to Cortez McKinnis, Sr. and Willie May (Johnson) McKinnis.
Cortez was a true son of Mississippi, embodying the spirit and resilience of his beloved hometown in every area of his life.
The seeds of his legacy of cooperation, friendship and academic excellence began during his time in high school. Cortez’s thirst for knowledge and passion for self-improvement continued even after he was drafted into the U. S. Army.
It was during his active service that Cortez laid the foundation for what would become a very distinguished military career. He dedicated his career to his own personal growth and development, while remaining committed to his fellow service members.
MSG (RET) McKinnis served in several military locations, including two combat tours in Vietnam, during his 20+ years of active service.
He received many meritorious awards, including two Purple Hearts. He retired from active duty at Fort Riley, KS in 1978. Following his military retirement, Cortez worked as a courier for First National Bank (now Exchange Bank) for more than 40 years.
During his first marriage, he and his wife, Dorothy J. Palmore welcomed four beloved daughters-Angela McKinnis ofVirginia Beach, VA; Carolyn McKinnis of Norfolk, VA; Tanya Hockensmith (Tony) of Gettysburg, PA; and Chandra Ward of Kansas City, KS.
Cortez always conveyed his deep belief in a life of service to his family, which led his three oldest daughters and a grandson to follow his footsteps into the military.
In 1989, Cortez married Jean (Edwards) Davis at their home church, Second Missionary Baptist Church in Junction City, KS. With their union, Cortez gained his much-loved step-children, David Davis (Raquel) of Chipiona Cadiz, Spain; Dawn Gallon (Eric) of Lakeland, FL; Dr. Crystal Davis of Junction City, KS; Jason Davis of Waco, TX; Pauletta Russell of Atlanta, GA; and Tamiko (Tammi) Coleman-Hall of Colonial Heights, MD (in memorium).
Cortez and Jean shared 27 years in a committed union until her untimely death in 2017. Cortez was a faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church for 45 years where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Laymen committee and Man of The Year (SMBC), Chaplain for the NAACP (JC), Chaplain for the Junction City/Geary Co. Democratic Committee, Lifetime Member of VFW Post #8773, Member of the then KS Black Leadership Council, 32nd Degree Mason, and Member of the Kiwanis Club South of Junction City.
Cortez was preceded in death by his wife Jean (Edwards) Davis-McKinnis; his parents Willie May (Johnson) McKinnis and Cortez McKinnis, Sr. and stepmother Willie McKinnis; his brothers Ben Richardson, W. L. Jones, J.C. McKinnis, Odell McKinnis, Sr., Joe Louis McKinnis, and his sister, Elnora Morilla, and both his maternal/ paternal grandparents.
Left to carry on Cortez’s legacy of faith in God, love of others, compassion, caring and mutual cooperation is his sister, Mattie Hawkins (Freddie) of Cleveland, MS; his beloved children-Angela, Carolyn, Tanya and Chandra; stepchildren- David, Dawn, Crystal, Jason and Pauletta; grandchildren- DeLana, Alania, Angelica, Khiry, Tyler, Courtney, Sierra, Eric II, Joshua, Mileena, David Alessandro, Maria Raquel, Elijah, Victoria, Javon, T.J., Perris, Chyna and Cydney. He is also survived by 10 precious great-grandchildren, with another due early in 2024.
Cortez’s testimony was “Keep God first. Read your bible. Keep putting one foot in front of theother. Remain obedient to God and He will see you through.” His favorite Scripture was Psalm23, and his favorite hymn was Amazing Grace.
In lieu of flowers and other donations, the family requests that all donations be made to the nonprofits of your choice in the name of Cortez McKinnis, Jr.