Gary J. McKinley

Gary J. McKinley, 68, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Services are under the direction of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. Gary Jackie (Jack) McKinley passed away peacefully at home in Roswell, NM on August 15, 2024. Gary Jackie McKinley was born in Roswell, NM on December 26, 1955 to Richard and Aurelia McKinley. Jack’s love of sports drew him to play little league baseball with the help of his uncle Dick Wright. He went on to Roswell High School where he was a football star and wrestled. Jack received a scholarship to play football at the New Mexico Military Institute. In 1975 he married Elia Saenz, had a baby girl and moved to Thatcher, AZ. While in Thatcher he learned to be a silversmith from his cousins Harold and Tonia Potter. Jack and his mom Lela sold silver and turquoise jewelry in Arizona and throughout New Mexico. While on a trip to visit his Aunt Margie his Uncle Oscar Zuloaga had a job for him at El Paso Sands. In 1976 Jack, Elia, and Liz moved to El Paso, TX. Within the next two years both his sons John Paul and Gary Jack were born. Jack worked at El Paso Sands and spent a lot of time with Uncle Oscar who taught him to fix cars and work on houses. He would take his family to the dirt track races of El Paso Speedway where he helped his Uncle Oscar and brother Mickey work on the pit crew. He would spend every weekend in El Paso, Las Cruces or Juarez helping on the pit crew, family in tow. Jack loved the outdoors and he enjoyed teaching his boys how to hunt and fish. Jack and Elia endured John’s childhood illness and kept their family close together. He loved having family visits, spending time with the countless nieces and nephews. If you were lucky enough to be a part of Jack’s life you knew he would take the shirt off his back for you. He had many stories of the things the guys at work did. He also had great memories of both his Uncle Dick and Uncle Oscar and their wisdom. In turn passing on the wisdom he had to his family. The family would like to thank Dr. Vega, Dr. Ali, and Dr. Khrosand for their wisdom and care. Gentiva Hospice and all the staff for your kindness and care in such a tough time, along with Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. Your staff was the epitome of kindness during this tough time. Jack is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Eddie and Mary McKinley, maternal grandparents Isabel and Aurelio Manuz, father Richard McKinley, mother Aurelia McKinley, and son John Paul McKinley. Jack is survived by his wife Elia S. McKinley of Roswell, NM, daughter Elizabeth McKinley of Roswell, NM, son Gary Jack McKinley of Denver, CO, sister Carla and husband Manuel Gonzales of Alamogordo, NM. granddaughter Amethyst Rose McKinley and grandson Myles Alexander McKinley of Roswell, NM. Also countless brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be on August 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Church On The Move, 901 W. Brasher Rd. Roswell, NM 88203 Reception after TBA

Gary J. McKinley

December 26, 1955 - August 15, 2024