Honoring
Carl McKinnis
Carl James McKinnis III passed away on July 8th, 2020. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues. Though we can’t all gather together at this time, we will use this site to honor Carl, his life and his loves. Please join us as we share the incredible life journey of a beloved husband, father, brother and friend.
Growing up
Carl was born July 21, 1942, to Carl James McKinnis Jr. and Virginia Rose McKinnis (Kuhn) in East St. Louis, Illinois. He was the third to carry this family name started by his Grandfather who was always known as Pop. In his early childhood, his parents lived with Pop and his grandmother, Goldie Gladys McKinnis (Jones), in a small house on Cleveland Ave. in East St. Louis. With so many Carls in one household, nicknames were needed so the three were called Pop, Big Carl and Little Carl for many years. In later years, as Big Carl gained grandchildren, he would become known as Bump. To this day, the McKinnis clan remain big on nicknames! The family grew with the addition of his sister Cathy and his brother Michael. As Big Carl took on a career as a Postal Inspector, the family moved to Poplar Bluff, MO and then on to Florrisant, a suburb of St Louis. Throughout his life, Carl was a natural athlete and loved baseball like his father “Bump.” It was at Ferguson High School where Carl played baseball that he met the love of his life, Jerry Ann Robertson.
Carl & Jerry
Carl and Jerry were married on August 5th, 1961. They met while attending Ferguson High School together. Though they met as freshmen when they shared a class, it would take Carl some time to work up the nerve to ask her on a date. Jerry says, “He chased me until I caught him. It only took him 3 years after he met me to ask me out. Love of my life.” After graduation, they discussed marriage, but Jerry was worried about the draft taking Carl away. Not to be deterred, Carl signed up with the Army to complete 6 months of active service followed by time in the Reserves. He told Jerry in the fall of 1960 as he left for basic training in Ft Leonardwood, MO, “I’ll be back in the spring. When can we get married!?”
Family
Carl and Jerry started their family with Jimmy (the fourth Carl James!), born May 28, 1962, and Laura, born April 14, 1965. Carl started his career in the transportation industry working on the dock for Arkansas Best Freight in St Louis. He worked overtime, double shifts, holidays, whatever it took to help his growing family. His hard work paid off, as he rose to Foreman, then to Ops Supervisor and finally was promoted to Operations Manager in St. Louis. In 1969, the family moved to Davenport, IA, where Carl was promoted to Branch Manager. Carl’s career continued to advance and led the family from St Louis, to Iowa, on to Cincinnati, OH, and back to Iowa. Somewhere along the way, his family finally convinced him to get rid of the sideburns. His hard work gave the young family a loving home and many opportunities wherever they happened to go. Throughout it all, they always returned to St. Louis whenever they could, to visit Carl and Jerry’s family and possibly catch a Cardinals game. In 1983, daughter Laura, had settled in Dallas, TX, when an opportunity led Carl and Jerry there too. In 1985, their son Jimmy and his wife Sue, would soon follow after Jimmy’s graduation from Iowa State University. With the family reunited in Dallas, grandkids would soon follow. Meghan, CJ (the fifth Carl!), Carly (also named for Carl!) and Kyle, rounded out the family. Settling in Flower Mound, TX, near both their children, Carl finally made the decision to retire in 2006. At the time he was Sr. Vice President of Bright Trucking in Dallas, TX, and Jerry had retired from Michaels Stores a few years before. But neither could sit still for very long. Jerry went on to volunteer at the new local hospital, and Carl took a part-time job at Market Street. Carl also worked at Bridlewood Golf Club as a Marshall which afforded him plenty of time to play. He often played with his son and grandson, CJ. And in February of 2016, Carl recorded a hole in one on the 12th hole of Bridlewood. Carl was also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and never missed a chance to watch a game or check the scores. And heaven help anyone who revealed a score for a game he was “taping.” These are among the many things we will remember him for, including his joking and teasing demeanor, his love of sweets, his impeccable fashion sense, his “Davenport pork chops,” and his love and devotion to his family. While he left us all too soon, Carl left a lasting impression on everyone that he met.
We hope you enjoyed this small part of Carl’s life journey. We invite you to leave your own remembrances in the comment section below.
Honoring Carl McKinnis 
It was a year ago today we lost Dad. But today I’m thinking more about lunch with Dad. Right out of college, Sue and I weren’t making much money of course, and we had both kids within those first two years. So lunch for me at work was usually a brown bag.
Dad was in transportation sales. And he was great at it. Lunch for him at the time usually involved holding court at one of his favorite Dallas restaurants. Two of his favorites are no longer around today. Bennigan’s and a place called Dalton’s over on Monfort, I think. You could usually find Dad eating lunch at the bar. He always made it a point to invite me at least once a week. For me, it was more than a free lunch. It was an educational experience. Dad would be holding court at the bar, often surrounded by guys on his team, or even competitors. In the field of transportation sales Dad knew everyone. And everyone knew Dad. It was just a bunch of sales guys shooting the shit, laughing, joking and generally giving each other the business. But watching him, I learned a lot. I learned about dealing with people. I learned that work needed to be fun as well as challenging. I learned how to treat waiters and bartenders with kindness and to always tip really well. I learned that respect should be hard earned but easily given. I learned that being generous brought you more than you gave.
Everybody liked Dad. It’s only now that I realize I never met a single person who didn’t like him. And that says everything you need to know about Dad.
Love you, Dad.
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https://honoringcarlmckinnis.com/2020/08/11/308/#comments
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Jim
You did a very good job putting this together for your dad. I even found myself smiling at many of the pictures.
I would check on him and he always told me he was “fine “. Now he really is “fine “.
I would see him early morning at Market Street and in and out of the hospital. He always called me by my name and smiled.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to your dad.
Sincerely
Maureen Waite
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Jim I worked for your dad a good many years. He was a fine man and friend. We talked from time to time over the years since and he even texted me once. Always the professional, I don’t think I ever saw him without a tie. As he said “Swave and De-boner”. I remember him as tough but very fair, I never wanted to disappoint him, his example of leadership stays with me even now. I am very sorry for this loss you and your family are facing. I take comfort in knowing we will be reunited with loved ones and friends in Gods kingdom. I have no doubt he will be wearing a tie next time we meet! Condolences to you and family. God bless you all. Bill Benigni
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What a beautiful way to honor Carl. The first time I met Carl, he was having shoulder surgery at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. I met him through his wife Jerry where we both volunteered. Carl was in good form funny, full of pep and he kept the nurses on their toes. I saw him several times at Texas Health and each time he was in good humor.
Jerry and Carl welcomed me into their home many times for Christmas and Thanksgiving. They opened their home to neighbors and friends as well. Carl was the best host always filling my glass and helping with last minute guests.
I started shopping at Market Street when I found out Carl worked there. Carl worked hard and always greeted me with a smile. Jerry would tell me how happy he was as it gave him new meaning to life. It was easy to like Carl, he made many friends while working at Market Street. The last time I saw Carl was it was pouring down rain and Carl insisted on walking me to my car. I tried to cover him with my umbrella but he insisted on getting me to my car safe and dry. Carl was a man’s man, a wonderful family man and a Treasure. He will be missed!
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Although we had only known “CJ” for 5 or 6 years, my husband Mitch and I always looked forward to seeing him at United Market Street. I didn’t want anyone else to help me to my truck with my purchases but CJ. Always upbeat, we had great 5 minute conversations each week. He was such a family man, always asking about mine and keeping me filled in on his. I never met Jerry, but felt like I knew her from our conversations. I only learned of his passing this morning, and it has been a hard morning to get through… he will be missed in so many ways. Belated condolences to his family, he was truly one of a kind.
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So sorry to hear about Carl. We sure had a lot of good times together. I remember when Ed and I were on our way to
your wedding and we went to the wrong church. We got there about the time it was over.We did make it to the
reception and had a great time. Ed died 13 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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The first time I met Carl and Jerry was a gathering in 2003……a subdivision event held in front of their home. It was a buffet and Carl was the chef for the brat’s and burgers. From then on each time we were together it was due to subdivision events except for the 2 times Carl started my car from a dead battery. Carl I knew to be a helper…..a big helper. If it was at the Amenity Center he would be cleaning up after the party, if it was our yearly luminary event he would be distributing the bags.. always the helper.
So sad it had to be that you had to say goodbye to Carl. Death is such an unwelcome visitor. It robs you of a very precious person when it comes into your home and your family. Your head understands this……..your heart grieves.
My sincere sympathy,
Peace, Prayers and Blessings to your family,
Barb Wandschneider
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“The Mayor of Market Street”
It was an Honor and a Pleasure to know Carl, a true Gentleman who loved his Family and Friends!
Sunday’s are not the same without “The Mayor” holding Court with his Breakfast Club Buddies at the Street!
Luckily their are a few more Carl’s in the Family to carry on his love for Family, Food, Fun and Putt Putt Golf!
He is truly missed!
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My first memories of Carl took place at Lifetime Fitness in the mornings. I would always see a group of guys huddled around someone I didn’t know. I finally started asking different people who this was. I figured it was someone famous that happened to live in FM.
Then one day I went up to him and introduced myself. That was in 2009-2010, and like all his friends, I became a member of the McKinnis cult. That led to trips to the Colonial, and lots of golf at Bridlewood. We were both left handed and that further cemented our bond. He had a simple life as long as he did exactly what Jerry wanted. I will miss my friend, and I still look in the Market Street parking lot for his car when I pass by. All the best to Jerry and all the family.
Jack Bomar
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We are very saddened to hear of Carl’s passing. I spoke to CARL a few months ago and did not get any indication of a problem. Carl was a good friend during our stay in Dallas. We had some great dinners at Old Warsaw in Dallas and Carl meet his match for having a sweet tooth. We would often discuss desert, while waiting for the entree. Most times, we the Grand Marnier Souffle. When Carl felt like living on the wild side, he would simply tell the waiter to ” surprise me ” . I also remember how fastidious he was with the car that Jerry bought him. Before a flak of dust landed on the dashboard, he had his brush out to wipe it off .A great guy who will be missed !
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Thank you Jim for sharing with us the wonderful life and memories of your dad. Jerry and I worked at Michaels next to each other’s cube, so I got to know a lot about her family and Carl. One thing that I always remember from her stories is how expensive Carl’s taste is on his clothes and of course on his favorite car or cars! I got to meet Carl a few times. He’s very friendly and made me feel at home when I came to visit Jerry.
I love listening to their love story… high school sweethearts, married for many years!!
I am very sorry for your loss. This is a very difficult time. My husband and I pray that you have the strength to cope with this tough times.
With our sincerest sympathy and condolences,
Yolanda and Michael Massey
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I very much enjoyed reading about Carl and seeing all the great pictures of Carl and his family and friends. Carl and I first met about 37 years ago at an early Arkansas Freightways annual meeting in Harrison, AR. Carl was the district sales manager in Dallas, while I was a fledging young account manager in Memphis. Over the years we became great friends. Carl was an icon in our industry and was always available for mentoring and guiding me throughout my carreer. He was my friend, mentor and golf buddy for almost 4 decades!
Carl was a hard worker, very proud of his accomplishments, but he was even prouder of his family. Always bragging about his kids, grandkids, and his beloved Jerry! I will miss his smile, his smirk, and his good natured ribbing.
I pray God gives all the extended McKinnis family peace and comfort during these difficult times!
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I met Carl soooo many years ago when I was Traffic Manager at John Deere. We became very close during that time. Good Friday was always mandatory to go out with him for the day. Then, our career paths went in different directions, but we always stayed in touch. When Carl and Jerry finally retired to Dallas and I retired in Illinois, Carl and I started communicating on a regular basis-Wednesday was Carl day. Sometimes we would talk for hours, and he was never shy about offering his opinion on anything-whether he knew what he was talking about or not. A standing joke was the axe he “borrowed” from me. I would always ask for it back- he told me it was in Idaho and he could get it “next time”. One of the things I’ve learned over the years is we have many acquaintances but few true friends. I considered Carl to be a true friend. I will miss Carl, and I know his family will miss him even more. My sincerest condolences to all who were fortunate enough to be part his family.
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Lots of memories and fun times with Uncle Carl, but my favorite are from the last few years. Spending a week with him and lots of family in Idaho. He always wanted to go get ice, really so he could buy lottery tickets. Arguing over cards and who was cheating. And his love of gooey butter cake. We were always there just after his birthday so I would make one for him. Our future trips to Idaho won’t be the same without him. He will be missed there and always. Slainte Uncle Carl!
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I am so glad that you sent this out to friends to see. I’ve known Sherry for several years now and I met Carl a couple of times. All the stories I’ve heard about Jerry and Carl have been really interesting and fun. I’m sorry that he is gone, but someday his family and friends will see him again Sandy Wade
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When I was a little girl, my big brother taught me to bat left handed. Carl was such a natural athlete that it never occurred to him that a person would not automatically be able to hit a ball from their dominant side! I have so many more good memories of him, the best big brother in the world. I will miss him everyday. Thank you, Jim, for putting a beautiful and loving tribute together. 😘
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As a recent addition to the family, a fond memory of Carl for me, silly as it sounds was his propensity to ask for someone to pull his finger. The first time I met Carl, 11 years ago, I reached out to shake his hand in natural respect. A shake it wasn’t, but more that grip and look in his eye followed by a quiet (Couldn’t let the rest of the family hear) comment to not hurt his Beloved niece. Then he smiled hugged me and asked me to pull his finger as he welcomed me to the family. I knew only but a fraction of his contribution to this world but he left a distinct mark and an incredible family. He is and always will be missed. Carl, when is see you again, you can pull my finger.
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He is uncle Carl to me. I would get excited to go see the family in Iowa as well as Texas. Carl would trade the crap out of me and everyone else. His cars were always spotless. His style in clothes was impeccable and he knew where the good food places were. Uncle Carl would give me sound advice that I won’t forget. He was so much fun to be around and that’s why you see me next to him in a lot of the pictures.his heart was as big as his personality. I miss him. Thank you for putting this together. SLAINTE Uncle Carl ❤️
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First, let me say that I was shocked and saddened to hear of Carl’s passing. I can’t recall when I met Carl, but it was many years ago. I was just learning to play golf and he was working at Bridlewood Golf course.
Carl played golf with my husband and I once and that was a lot of fun getting to know him.
Carl had a fun sense of humor which I got. We had a banter that not everyone got but we always knew each of us were kidding. He talked about his wife almost every time I talked to him and I think that was really special. He asked about my husband every time I saw him and updated me on what was going on in his life. He was proud of his grown kids as well as his grandchildren and talked about them often.
It has felt odd not cutting up with him while waiting for our turn to tee off. Carl was one of a kind and I will truly miss our friendship and banter.
Sincere condolences to his wife and family. I know you will miss him.
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I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Carl but he did help me with my groceries at Market Street and gave me a great tip regarding my Lexus! I do know Jerry from working with her at the hospital. She was my mentor. What a wonderful lady. Sorry for your loss. May your precious memories of Carl sustain you.
Barbara Livermore
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We moved to the neighborhood about 5 years ago and we met Jerry and Carl, they were both very welcoming. I was transitioning with work so Carl invited me to the old geezer lunches. Every time I showed up he asked me when I was going to get a job lol !
I liked giving him a hard time because he acted rough but I knew better, he was a nice man. We would talk cars and he would always mention how he was getting use to the color of his car Ha! He was quick to point out to the waiter or waitress that it was individual bills. I worried every time they brought the bills that they hadn’t made a mistake ! Carl was no nonsense about collecting the money for the lottery, you better have your two bucks ready fast.
I enjoyed seeing Carl at the store and we would talk for a bit, I miss him driving by with a wave. Wonderful Person
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My name is Mike Cooke and I was previllaged enough to live with Carl, Jerry, Jim and Laura for one year as a foreign exchange student visiting the USA from Sri Lanka. I was 18 years old and this was during 1979/1980. Carl and Jerry lived in Blue Grass, Iowa and I attended Davenport high, just like Jim. I can honestly say that the year I spent with Mckinnis’s was one of the best year of my life. I always felt that I was a part of their family and they treated me just like there own. I was treated great family holidays travelling to St.Louis and Disneyland Florida among other places. I have fond memories of Carls mum and dad, grandma and grandpa and all those generous gifts that were given to me by all of them. My best memory of Carl (I called him dad) was having restleing fights on the lounge carpet and Bobsleighing down hill at the back of our house where he would push me hard down hill. I also remember the beautiful convertible car that Carl had in his gragae which I know was his pride and joy. My memory of him will never fade and the way I remembered him will always stay with me. I thank you Carl for accepting me to be a part of your great family in the USA . Thank you mum, Jerry for you love and guidence and Jim and Laura for being my my brother and sister during my stay with you. I now live in London and have done so since 1983. I hope we could meet up again one day in the UK or USA. To Jerry, Jim and Laura, your pain is my pain during these difficult times and I sympathise with you whole heartedly. Carl was nodoubt a great man and a fantastic dad. I was planning to visit Texes this April but the current Covid pandamic has made me change those plans. Please accept my deepest sympathys at your great loss.
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I worked with Car for 8 years at Bridlewood and he was a pleasure to get to know. We had Davenport, IA in common. Carl was known as Mr Happy or Mr Grumpy depending on the day. He always brought breakfast for pro shop staff on the Wednesday he worked. A great guy.
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Please leave a story or favorite memory about Dad.
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