Robert Bruce (Bob) McKinley

Robert Bruce (Bob) McKinley, 97, of Siler City died peacefully on May 2, 2022 at his home.  Born April 9, 1925 in College Springs, IA, he was one of six children of Ira L. and Mary G. McKinley

Bob was a US Navy Veteran and a 1946 graduate of Northwestern University, where he played on the football team.  His career included executive positions at Sears Roebuck & Co. in Chicago and New York City, followed by Kellwood Company in Siler City and Hosiery Corporation of America in Bensalem, PA.

He was a farmer at heart, loving working on his farm as well as playing golf and family gatherings, especially in Pinehurst. He attended The Masters 50 years in a row.   

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy J. McKinley, his parents, his granddaughter, Robin Kate Perry, brothers Harold and Joe McKinley and sisters Margaret Carter and Martha McCleary.

Survivors include his wife Barbara, daughters Robin J. Perry and husband Rick, of Salisbury, NC and Cynthia A. Dameron and husband Ron of Siler City; five grandchildren: Russell (Elizabeth) Perry of Littleton, CO, Raegan P. (Corey) Anderson of Rock Hill, SC, Raelynn K. Perry of Charlotte, NC, Jennifer J. (Tyler) Bridges of Siler City and Ali Dameron of High Point, NC.

Eight great-grandchildren: Rylee, Rhett and Ranger Perry, Benton, Baylor and Bear Anderson; and Carter and Lawson Bridges.

He is also survived by his brother, Donald P. McKinley of Quincy, IL and 18 nieces and nephews.

Bob was a former member of the Chamber of Commerce, Siler City Rotary, Chatham Education Foundation and the Chatham Housing Authority.   

Graveside services will be held Sunday, May 15 at 2pm at Chatham Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life at the First Methodist Church of Siler City at 3pm. 

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Chatham Charter School- Athletic Boosters 2200 Hamp Stone Rd.  Siler City, NC 27344  www.chathamcharter.org

PowerCross 314 North Ellis St. Salisbury, NC 28144  www.PowerCross.org or the charity of one’s choice. 

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the McKinley family