Gilbert Vance “Midge” McKinney
Gilbert Vance “Midge” McKinney passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Dec. 18, 2025.
It is difficult to capture the depth of what Gilbert meant to his family and friends. He was an amazing man with a heart so big it seemed to have room for everyone he met. He was compassionate and generous and made friends wherever he went. His smile remained contagious even in his final days, and his presence was a steady source of comfort and inspiration. Gilbert cared deeply for his family, friends, colleagues and even strangers, and he made sure people knew they mattered to him.
Gilbert was born July 3, 1936, in Harriman to Florence Smith and Joe Gilbert McKinney. He and his sister, Vera, lived in Harriman until 1943, when the family moved to Oak Ridge. He attended Elm Grove and Highland View elementary schools and Robertsville Junior High School, and was a member of Oak Ridge High School’s Class of 1954.
He married Nancy Lee Hester on July 13, 1955. After a year at Tennessee Tech, the couple moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they lived for four years. Their first son, Steven Vance McKinney, was born there. Steve blessed them with a granddaughter Ashley who married Jordan Allen who gave them great grandchildren Scottie, Mac, Paisley and Wells; and two grandsons Joey who married Vickie, and Jeff who married Amy.
The family returned to Oak Ridge in 1958, where Gilbert began his career at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He retired after 43 years of service as a scientific glassblower. Gilbert and Nancy were later blessed with a daughter, Kathy Darlene McKinney Thomas (Terry), and a second son, Scott Anthony McKinney (Debby Vittetoe). Scott’s family includes daughters Carsen (Kaden) Glick, with sons Holt and Samuel, and Bailey McKinney, who will marry Zach Sharber in spring 2026.
Gilbert had a deep interest in young people and devoted countless hours to coaching athletes ages 7 to 21 in baseball, basketball and football. He also officiated high school and recreational-league basketball, baseball and softball for 35 years. For much of that time, he trained, supervised and assigned officials for Oak Ridge Recreation basketball and baseball programs.
Gilbert accepted Christ and was baptized in 1961 while attending West Village Christian Church, where he served in many capacities through the years. He loved his Heavenly Father, his family, his church and his country, and felt John 3:16 expressed his faith best.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 11, 2026, at West Village Christian Church, 637 Robertsville Road, Oak Ridge.