Mr. Christopher Brian McKinney

Christopher Brian McKinney was born Monday January 8, 1973 to Thomas and Gracie Mae McKinney at at St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Some say the best things in life come in pairs. Thomas and Gracie were pleasantly surprised to learn God gave Christopher a built-in best friend, his twin brother Clifton Bret. Lots of things came early and with competition in regards to the twins, specifically their date of birth. the twins were born into this world weighing less than 11 pounds put together. Christopher always had to be first...first to be born, first to be held, first to be weighed, and definitely the first to eat. The oldest brother Thomas Jr. had his hands full. But, they would all make way for their younger siblings Carmen Camille, Kerrie Raine, and Olivia Beatrice. Christopher was affectionately known to his family as Brian. During his early childhood years, Brian received formal education through the Milwaukee Public School System. Brian at an early age that it was important to be active in the community that he lived in. To show his comradery and share his sense of brotherhood, Brian was engaged in many extracurricular activities. Brian would learn what it meant to be prepared and develop outstanding leadership skills with his neighborhood Den as a Cub Scout. With his mom as the Den Leader, Brian gained enduring friendships with other members including his honorary brother Kemmon Gee, Christopher Watts, Edwin Scott, Eric Carr, Mario Mallet, and Jeff Wenzell. During his adolescence, Brian showed more interest in sports. He played with Beckum-Stapleton Little League baseball, Senior League baseball, and softball. Brian was involved with the group:Athletes for Youth (AFY), where he was a running back in football, with the Brown Deer rams. Brian and Bret never backed out of bantering with the opposing team. The twins would be called McKinney Crud. Somehow the name only 'stuck' with Brian .... Entered the nickname he will forever be known for..."CRUD." Brian was a product of a progressive household who endured many challenges, like civil unrest. They fought for the right to become all of who they knew they could be. Brian and the majority of his Siblings were trailblazers. In efforts to promote cultural and racial integration, they attended Cudahy High School, in Cudahy, WI. They took the school by storm. There wasn't much this family didn't do. Again, Brian created lifelong friendships with some of his classmates including but not limited to Michael Ladell, Houston Boone, Neil Kelly, Giovanni Russo, and Terrence Burkett. Brian was a good sport! He played for a plethora of teams and received tons of accolades in basketball, baseball, track, wrestling, and football before graduating in the year of 1992 . Brian wanted to increase his independence, maturity, responsibility, accountability, excellence, and future opportunities by attending the University of Whitewater-Wisconsin and the Rochester Community College in Rochester, MN. Brian was no stranger to hard work and experienced several fulfilling positions in general labor. For over 10 years, Brian was a Security Director at Bryant & Stratton College in Wauwatosa, WI., and took courses in pursuit of his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Brian found pleasure in taking road trips to see his baby brother Bret out of State, listening to music (any genre), spending time at his local Starbucks for coffee and conversation, fishing, tuning into Green Bay Packer games, and going live to play his Xbox in none other than ... .football. Brian accepted Christ into his life, early in his life. He enjoyed attending Parklawn Assembly of God in Milwaukee, WI. Brian's family including his grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins loved him dearly and cared for him. Brian's sister-in-Iaw. Tammy and honorary sister Mrs. Myanna Pinkston cherished him. He loved his nephews: Qadry, randy, Tyree (Noelia) and Noah. His nieces: Kendall, Tatiana, Camille, and Khylee were quite fond of him. Brian was also excited about his 2-year old great-niece, Amora Gracie. In this life, there are times for everything. Brian knew that most of all. he also knew that if he didn't hit his mark, he'd continue on and encourage himself. He never gave up. Brian enetred the very presence of and found himself home with the Lord at the age of 51 on Thursday, April 4, 2024. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Gracie.

Mr. Christopher Brian McKinney

January 8, 1973 - April 4, 2024