Mr. William P. McKinney's Obituary
William Paul McKinney was born on April 21st, 1950, and transitioned to be with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ on the morning of April 6th, 2026, just before his 76th year of life.
William (Billy) was the eldest of three brothers, Christopher James (Chris) and Michael Henry (Mikey), born to William Nathaniel and Wilma Josephine Vaughn. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Pittsburgh Public schools, was an honor student, and graduated from Westinghouse High School with high honors.
He had always been very self-motivated to achieve. As a youth, he was baptized at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh where he was active in the youth group and choir. He was an accomplished Boy Scout, and although he was not able to become an Eagle Scout, later in life he would guide many youth to the completion of that prestigious achievement as a Scout Leader.
In high school, he participated in extracurricular programs such as the Student United Nations, Upward Bound, and Junior Achievement. As a result, he received a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, where he studied Architecture. While there, he joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and was a lifelong active member. He went on to complete his Masters Degree at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.
After college, he started working for the City of Pittsburgh in the Public Safety Department and later in City Planning. He met his future wife, Dr. Andrea Jean Shelton, in that city, and they married in June of 1990 and later had a son, Matthew Ethan, born in 1993. Shortly after their nuptials, they moved to Houston, Texas where he was employed for many years as an architect and project manager at the University of Houston specializing in Facilities Planning and Sustainable Systems. The Center for Disabilities on the UH campus was one of many notable projects he facilitated.
While in Houston, he became a Scout leader and guided Matthew and many of his peers to develop life long friendships, survival skills, and cherished memories. When his son no longer participated in scouting, Billy continued to serve as a leader for several years.
His work ethic and dedication to his craft was unparalleled as he proudly worked for over 40 years straight without taking a single sick day. His unique creativity and curiosity for the arts led him to transcend Architecture and drafting into painting and drawing beautiful pieces that became part of Matthew’s inspiration to pursue the arts. Anyone who had the privilege to witness his work or view his machine-like precise handwriting could easily tell he was a master with his pen.
His favorite musician was James Brown, who he saw in concert many times. His favorite movie was the James Bond series, of which he saw each film in theaters on the opening day each time. His dapper style of mostly suits and classy formalwear mirrored that of a black James Bond (which if you asked him they should have casted him).
His life reflected the importance of family, scholarship, faith, and excellence.
He was preceded in death by his younger brother Michael, his father Bill, and mother, Wilma. He is survived by his brother Christopher, son Matthew, extended family, cousins and friends. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him well.
This obituary would not be complete without mentioning his outrageous sense of humor which entertained any and all people that knew him. Billy loved to share a hearty laugh with loved ones and strangers alike.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
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Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
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