William A. McKinney, Past International Director (2013-2015) died on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill. He was 73 years old.

A Lion since 1973, the late Past Director McKinney was a member of the Marine Lions Club, and an associate member of the St. Jacob Lions Club. He served the association at multiple levels at the District, Multiple District, and International levels and as a co-coordinator for Campaign SightFirst I. Past Director McKinney was also instrumental in the formation of the Regional Eye Care Committee serving clients in southern Illinois. He loved traveling and meeting Lions from every corner of the world with his life partner Lydia Ellis.

For his dedication to the association, the late Past Director received multiple awards including several Presidential Awards, the 40- and 45-Year Monarch Chevron, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He was also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director McKinney loved farming and was a member of the Farmers Livestock Market Association and National Stock Yards since 1970. He was a natural caregiver; working the soil, raising animals, or taking care of people in need. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time his children and grandchildren, especially collecting model tractors with his son, Bryan.