Ricky Steve McKinney

Ricky S. McKinney (Rick) 74, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma departed this earth on June 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Tulsa to the late N.J. Thurman Stringfellow. Moving to Los Angeles @ age 9, by age 13 Rick’s responsibilities were that of an adult, caring for 4 younger siblings as mother worked. He became the family glue. Rick found great comfort & tremendous joy in music, especially the guitar. He never had formal lessons; he was self-taught. He started his first band in the garage at age 14, which led to performing at clubs in Hollywood such as ‘Whiskey A Go-Go' & ‘The Hollywood Roosevelt’ meeting several well-known musicians, too many to name. His band ‘Funktion’ did tours of Guam, Manila, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Vietnam performing for our troops. As a music copyist Rick had professional experience with many successful groups such as ‘The Billy Preston Band,’ ‘Soul Excursions,’ ‘Jade,’ ‘Hot Line’.... Returning to Tulsa in the early 80’s meeting & marrying the love of his life and raising their son. While being a family man he continued his love for music. He became founder of ‘The Rolling Thunder Band’ & ‘Player’s Choice Recording Studio’ where he had a hand in helping many Oklahoma musicians find success. He became highly respected by all that knew him and his talents. Rick was also a member of the band ‘Lew Hammond & Smoking Gun’ performing all over Oklahoma and competing in the Marlboro contest in the late 80’s at Tulsa City Limits. They also appeared on Oklahoma Swingin’ Country. Although music was always a part of Rick’s life, he also had a few day jobs through the years such as... In the late 70’s he worked for Northrup, writing “How To” manuscripts for each department which became part of the job training program... In the early 80’s he did various carpentry jobs with Uncle Ted... Prior to retirement, he worked as a Drywall Finisher Foreman for Green Country Interiors. Rick also enjoyed boating with his wife and son, going for long rides with his wife and friends on their Harleys and iRacing online with several friends. Predeceased by his mother, 3 brothers, 3 brother in laws. Survived by wife Becky, son Kyle (Billie; Carson) of Broken Arrow, sister Laurie Sullivan of Ipswich, Massachusetts, nieces Regina Stringfellow (Keirsten), Lauri Stringfellow (Kaydence, Kenzi, Krishawn), nephew Chris Stringfellow of Broken Arrow, 2 Aunts Barbara Fouts of Coffeeville, Kansas & Janice West of Claremore, sister-in-law Kathy Coad (David). Rick was a kind, caring, gentle soul and will be deeply missed by all including his longtime friends John Hicks (Pam), Al (Duane) Sena (Linda) who comforted him through his final day A service & celebration of life will be held Monday July 8th @ 10:30a.m. @ Hope Chapel 11400 E. 116th St. N Owasso 918-371-9263 The service will be officiated by Troy Johnson, Lazaro & Tiffany Rosales In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ricky S. McKinney to: THE CJD FOUNDATION 3634 W. Market St. Ste. 11 Akron, Ohio 44333

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Ricky Steve McKinney

June 9, 1950 - June 21, 2024