Captain Charles J. McKinney, Jr., U.S. Navy, ret.

In Loving Memory of Captain Charles J. McKinney Jr., USN 

Captain Charles J. McKinney Jr., a dedicated Naval Officer and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024 (All Saints’ Day), at the age of 88. Born on January 16, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA, he was a role model and an inspiration for many.

Growing up in Philly and all through his years at Germantown Academy, Charlie excelled in sports and academics. He went on to play football for the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1958. Charlie then embarked on his 31-year career as a Naval Officer, traveling around the world. He earned his wings of gold as a Naval Aviator in 1960 and was assigned to VP-45 to fly the P5M Marlin, a seaplane, in Bermuda. It was there that he met his wife, Sally, an adventurous, young, Australian nurse traveling the world. They married and had their first child, Lucinda, while living in Bermuda. Sally continued her world travels at Charlie’s side.

Captain McKinney’s next assignment was to the Aviation Supply Office in Philadelphia as the Weapons System Support Manager for the Grumman A6-A and E2 programs. His second child, Anthony, was born here. In 1967, he reported to VP-47 at NAS Moffett Field, CA to fly the P-3. Shortly after arriving in California, his third child, Rebecca, was born. Charlie was frequently away on extended deployments to Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines while Sally adeptly held down the home fort with three small children. Captain McKinney’s career success continued as he was selected to the Officer Exchange Pilot Program to fly the Canadair Argus for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The family moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where Charlie flew from bases in Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Norway and Denmark.

Captain McKinney’s next assignment took him to Newport, RI, for the Command and Staff program at the Naval War College, where he simultaneously earned his MS degree from George Washington University, graduating in 1972. He next moved the family to Lajes, Azores, where Captain McKinney assumed the roles of Deputy Commander, Azores Sector Antisubmarine Warfare Group and served as the Executive Officer of NAF, Lajes. In June 1976, Captain McKinney was assigned once again to VP-45, now a P-3 squadron in Jacksonville, FL. He proudly served as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer, as he and his squadron operated out of South America, Iceland and Sicily.

Now an experienced senior Naval Officer, Captain McKinney returned to the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He graduated from the College of Warfare in June 1979 before joining the teaching faculty of the War College as a Professor of Naval Operations. Captain McKinney’s gift for mentoring and teaching continued at Miami University in Oxford, OH, where he served as the Commanding Officer of the school’s NROTC unit. He and Sally were blessed with their fourth child, Zachary, in Ohio.

In June 1985, the family relocated to Panama, where Captain McKinney served as the Inspector General for the United States Southern Command. In this capacity, he traveled extensively throughout Central and South America. Finally, Captain McKinney and his family returned to the United States, where he joined the staff of Commander, Naval Base, Charleston, SC. Captain McKinney retired from the Navy in July 1989.

But 31 years of service was not enough for Charlie. In 1990, he embarked on a whole new career as he assumed the duties of Prosecution Coordinator in the Office of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor in Charleston, SC. Charlie treasured his time in the Solicitor’s Office, and especially valued the friendships he developed while working in the courthouse environment. His co-workers affectionately called him “The Captain,” which of course, he loved. He retired from the Solicitor’s Office, after almost 25 years, in December 2013.

Charlie was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in the spring of this year. He never gave up and never stopped living life. He was a fighter to the end, and died peacefully in his bedroom in his sleep.

Charlie clearly lived life to the fullest, and was a true gentleman on every level. He loved flying. He loved the Navy. He loved his country. He loved his friends. But most of all, he was a proud husband and father who was grateful every day for God’s blessings in his life. His sense of humor and warmth will be deeply missed. 

As someone recently remarked, “They don’t make them like that anymore.”

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Sally Moss of Geraldton, Western Australia; their four children, Lucinda, Anthony, Rebecca and Zachary, and their families; his brother, Kevin (and Peggy) McKinney and their children and grandchildren.

A viewing opportunity (closed casket) will be available at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, from 5 pm – 7 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Stella Maris Catholic Church (1204 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island) at 12pm, immediately followed by burial at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens (1308 Mathis Ferry Rd).

In true Navy fashion, all will gather afterwards at a local pub, Locals Sports Pub (1150 Queensborough Blvd, Suite B, Mt. Pleasant (Publix shopping center)) to regale one another with memorable Captain McKinney stories, a tribute to his life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ Our King Catholic Church, 1149 Russell Dr, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464 (venmo @christourkingmtpl) or to the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.