Victor Blake McKinney

Victor Blake McKinney, beloved husband, father, “Pop”, son and brother, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023, after a courageous fight against progressive supranuclear palsy.

Blake was born to Samuel David McKinney and Phyllis Boone McKinney on July 23, 1961, in Lawton, Oklahoma.  He lived in Abingdon most of his life and graduated from Abingdon High School in 1979.  During his junior year, Blake set a school record for most passes caught in a season and was interviewed by a writer for the Virginia Football League.  Blake’s photo, printed with that article, included a subheading that read in part, “Ambition includes law and eventually becoming a judge.”  Blake pursued his ambition by studying political science and obtaining his Bachelor of Arts from Emory and Henry College, in 1983, and his Juris Doctor from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, in 1987.  After passing the Virginia bar exam, Blake’s career began in collections with attorney, John Bagwell.  Soon thereafter, he worked as a part-time prosecutor with his dear friend, the Honorable Mike Moore, in Russell County, and together they opened the law firm McKinney & Moore in 1990.  In May 1996, Blake became the sole practitioner at V. Blake McKinney, P.C. where he continued to build on and, for over 20 years, maintain a very successful law practice in Abingdon.  In July 2012, he achieved his ultimate goal and began serving his community as a General District Court Judge for the 28^th District until illness forced his retirement in August 2021.

Blake loved football and was a true Oklahoma Sooners fan.  He traveled to Oklahoma many times to watch live games.  His all-time favorite trip was to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas for the Red River Rivalry in October 2021, where he watched his beloved Sooners claim victory.

Being an avid biker, you could oftentimes find Blake on the Creeper Trail between Abingdon and Damascus.  From May to September, those bike trips would include a stop by his cabin at White Top Laurel for a few hours of fly fishing and relaxation on the deck.

After retirement, Blake enjoyed day trips with the JOY Club at Pleasant View United Methodist Church, where he was a member for over 30 years. During his final months, he looked forward to weekly visits from Pastor Austin Cook and members of Victory Baptist Church.

Blake was a quiet, kind, loving and compassionate gentleman who loved God, his family, his friends and the communities he served.  

Preceding him on his final journey home was Blake’s father, Samuel David McKinney, and his son, Hunter Blake McKinney.  Blake is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne McKinney, his daughter, Katie Pelger and her husband, Markus, of Knoxville, TN, Lynsey Massie and her husband, Ross, of Abingdon, VA and Alex Hall and his wife, Tabitha, of Bluff City, TN, along with his dearly beloved grandchildren, Bentley, Bailee, Morgan, Hadley Blake and Hayden.  Survivors also include his mother, Phyllis McKinney of Abingdon, VA, his brother, Sam McKinney, and wife, Sharon, of Chilhowie, VA, his sister, Hope McKinney, of Abingdon, VA, his special in-laws, Mike and Judy Roberts, Brenda and Jeff Clark, Vickie and Jeff Steely, and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. 

At Blake’s request, private services will be held for family members only. 

The family would like to give a special thanks to the memory care staff of American House, Home Instead, MSA Hospice and the in-home care assistance provided by Vickie and Jeff Steely, as well as all family members and friends who provided meals, daytime outings and caregiving support during Blake’s journey. 

In lieu of flowers, Blake has requested memorial contributions be made to: Victory Baptist Church, ATTN: Youth Programs, 11101 Island Road, Bristol, VA  24202, or to the Coach Buchanan Legacy of Excellence Scholarship, 955 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA  24210.