Msg (Ret) Cortez Mckinnis Jr.

MSG (RET) Cortez McKinnis, Jr., 87, of Junction City, KS was called to his eternal rest on 25
November 2023 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS.

Cortez was born on 1 March 1936 in Gunnison Township, MS to Cortez McKinnis, Sr. and
Willie May (Johnson) McKinnis. Cortez was a true son of Mississippi, embodying the spirit and
resilience of his beloved hometown in every area of his life.

The seeds of his legacy of cooperation, friendship and academic excellence began during his
time in high school. Cortez’s thirst for knowledge and passion for self-improvement continued
even after he was drafted into the U. S. Army. It was during his active service that Cortez laid the
foundation for what would become a very distinguished military career. He dedicated his career
to his own personal growth and development, while remaining committed to his fellow service
members. MSG (RET) McKinnis served in several military locations, including two combat
tours in Vietnam, during his 20+ years of active service. He received many meritorious awards,
including two Purple Hearts. He retired from active duty at Fort Riley, KS in 1978. Following his
military retirement, Cortez worked as a courier for First National Bank (now Exchange Bank) for
more than 40 years.

During his first marriage, he and his wife, Dorothy J. Palmore welcomed four beloved daughters-Angela McKinnis of
Virginia Beach, VA; Carolyn McKinnis of Norfolk, VA; Tanya Hockensmith (Tony) of
Gettysburg, PA; and Chandra Ward of Kansas City, KS. Cortez always conveyed his deep belief
in a life of service to his family, which led his three oldest daughters and a grandson to follow his
footsteps into the military.

In 1989, Cortez married Jean (Edwards) Davis at their home church, Second Missionary Baptist
Church in Junction City, KS. With their union, Cortez gained his much-loved step-children, David Davis (Raquel) of Chipiona Cadiz, Spain; Dawn Gallon (Eric) of Lakeland, FL; Dr. Crystal Davis of Junction City, KS; Jason Davis of Waco, TX; Pauletta Russell of Atlanta, GA; and Tamiko (Tammi) Coleman-Hall of Colonial Heights, MD (in memorium). Cortez and Jean
shared 27 years in a committed union until her untimely death in 2017.

Cortez was a faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church for 45 years where he served
as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Laymen committee and Man of The Year (SMBC),
Chaplain for the NAACP (JC), Chaplain for the Junction City/Geary Co. Democratic Committee,
Lifetime Member of VFW Post #8773, Member of the then KS Black Leadership Council, 32rd
Degree Mason, and Member of the Kiwanis Club South of Junction City.

Cortez was preceded in death by his wife Jean (Edwards) Davis-McKinnis; his parents Willie
May (Johnson) McKinnis and Cortez McKinnis, Sr. and stepmother Willie McKinnis; his
brothers Ben Richardson, W. L. Jones, J.C. McKinnis, Odell McKinnis, Sr., Joe Louis McKinnis, and his
sister, Elnora Morilla, and both his maternal/ paternal grandparents.

Left to carry on Cortez’s legacy of faith in God, love of others, compassion, caring and mutual
cooperation is his sister, Mattie Hawkins (Freddie) of Cleveland, MS; his beloved children-
Angela, Carolyn, Tanya and Chandra; stepchildren- David, Dawn, Crystal, Jason and Pauletta;
grandchildren- DeLana, Alania, Angelica, Khiry, Tyler, Courtney, Sierra, Eric II, Joshua,
Mileena, David Alessandro, Maria Raquel, Elijah, Victoria, Javon, T.J., Perris, Chyna and
Cydney. He is also survived by 10 precious great-grandchildren, with another due early in 2024.

Cortez’s testimony was “Keep God first. Read your bible. Keep putting one foot in front of the
other. Remain obedient to God and He will see you through.” His favorite Scripture was Psalm
23, and his favorite hymn was Amazing Grace.

In lieu of flowers and other donations, the family requests that all donations be made to the nonprofits of your choice in the name of Cortez McKinnis, Jr.

**To share a memory of Cortez or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.**

Cortez's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.