ROCK HILL SC ~ Richard Lester McKinney, 45, of Rock Hill SC passed away on Tuesday morning, August 24th, 2021 at Piedmont Medical Center. Richard, a paramedic, served the Lancaster County EMS for the past 8 years and was as passionate about serving his community and saving lives as he was about spending time with and always being there for his family and his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Brandy Youngblood McKinney; his daughters, Ariana Shelton and Willow Dover; his sisters, Kimberly McKinney, Alethea McKinney (Michael Schneider), and Julia Kessler (Tim Kessler); his nieces, Lauren Belk (Victor Ward), Samantha Murphy (Zachary Murphy) and Robin Towery.

Richard was born on December 9 ^th , 1975 in Charlotte NC, to Richard Daniel McKinney and Doris Evelyn Mitchum McKinney; he was the youngest of four. He became an uncle at 12 years of age and therefore received it seemed another sister. Two more nieces would follow, and Richard was always incredibly loving and protective of all the family that surrounded him. Later in life, he would raise daughter Ariana whom he loved deeply and was very proud of. Willow Grace was a light in his heart as well many years later, made evident by seeing him dancing, singing, and even wearing nail polish for her.

Richard graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 1994 and at only 18 years of age, Richard joined the US Navy. He served 4 years in Honolulu, HI as an Aviation Ordnanceman. From the stories he shared, the honorable men and women that he met and served with deeply impacted and changed him. In 2012, Richard decided to enroll in York Technical College to start his journey in the EMT program.  It was through the EMS that Richard met and fell in love with Brandy. Richard was a paramedic and just recently promoted to Assistant Supervisor. He often spoke about his EMS family and was beloved among them.

He enjoyed playing board games and especially enjoyed game nights with family and friends. He was funny and sought to make others laugh. He was the most kind-hearted and jovial person, so it was fitting that he volunteered as Santa during the holidays. He was a spiritual man and just recently started to write his own sermons but had not yet had the chance to share them. He lit up any room that he walked in. He took calls all hours of the night and day. He was truly a very selfless man that put others before himself all the time. The world was a better place because Richard was in it and those who knew him were so blessed to have called him a friend. Godspeed, Richard.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, August 30 ^th , 2021 at Second Baptist Church in Lancaster SC. Visitation will be from 12-2pm and the funeral will follow thereafter. Pastor Reid McAteer will be officiating.

An online guest register is available on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com.

Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Richard McKinney.