Benjamin Carl McKinley, 67

On February 6, 2021 the one we knew and loved, Benjamin Carl McKinley, stepped across the threshold that we call death, but it was only a step into another room of our Father’s house.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8

A Time to Be Born: Benjamin Carl McKinley was born in Plant City Florida on August 15, 1953 to the late Early McKinley and Catherine Wooden.

A Time to Live: At an early age, the youngest of nine, Ben reveled at following in the shadows of his older siblings. He had such a deep love for his entire family as they were so close. Ben earned the nickname “Bay-Bay” by being the “bad baby” of the bunch; always getting into stuff. Bay-Bay graduated from Plant City High School where from there he enlisted and served in the U.S. Military-Army for four years. Bay-Bay also attended Boston University for Culinary Arts where he developed a love for food and family gatherings which transformed into great times and wonderful memories.

In 2003 Bay-Bay joined and received an honorable membership as a free and accepted Mason at the Plant City Masonic Lodge #206. Over time he grew a love for football in which he was a true and loyal die-hard fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Go Bucs!). Yes! Bay-Bay was a hard working man with a go-getter mentality. When he set his sight on something he would achieve it undoubtedly… always giving the advice and game of leveling up! He was a man of no complaints.

Bay-Bay met the love of his life, Patricia Crews, in 2001 in which they married shortly thereafter in 2002. He adored his wife, children, extended family and friends. His greatest joy was uplifting and helping others. Bay-Bay enjoyed music, dancing, traveling, enjoying life, and just plain out having a good time. Ben was preceded in death by: sisters: Lillie Turner, Gertie Brown, Annie McKinley, Jerusha Kyles; brother: George McKinley.

A Time to Transition: His homegoing will be celebrated by many loved ones. Benjamin “Bay-Bay” McKinley leaves to cherish his lifetime of great memories: his wife, Patricia McKinley; his four sons – Carl McKinley of St. Petersburg, FL; Raheen Crews of Tampa, FL; Jarvis Crews of Lakeland, FL, and Alvin Faniel of Tampa, FL .The jewel of his heart, his granddaughter: Nailah Dudley-Crews. His siblings: Early McKinley Jr. (Victoria); Norman McKinley; Oscar McKinley; Solomon McKinley (Geraldine). Ben also leaves behind to celebrate his legacy with: A host of loving and caring nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends. And a very special long-time friend, Sandra Washington.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Oldham Funeral Home.