M. Robert "Bob" McKinney

Funeral service for Bob McKinney will be 11:00a.m., Friday, March 7, 2025, at Claremore First Methodist Church, Burial will be 3:00p.m., at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Friends may visit at MMS-Payne Funeral Home on Thursday, March 6, from 1pm-6pm, with family receiving visitors from 5pm-7pm.

M. Robert "Bob" McKinney, Jr., a dedicated banking professional and beloved community member, passed away on January 26, 2025, in Rogers, Arkansas at the age of 81. Bob was born on April 6, 1943, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Mearl Robert McKinney, Sr. and Nadine (King) McKinney. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1961 and went on to further his education at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, before earning a degree in Finance from the University of Arkansas in 1966. After his graduation, he served in the US Army Reserves as a medical tech and was stationed at the 300th hospital unit in Memphis Tennessee. His commitment to education continued as he graduated from both the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University and the Robert Morris Associates Loan Management program at the University of Indiana.

In January 1968, Bob embarked on a fulfilling career in banking, starting as an officer at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in Memphis, Tennessee, where he served in the correspondent division and took on the role of lobbyist during the formation of Bank Holding Companies. In 1975, he relocated with his family to Searcy, Arkansas, where he became the Senior Vice President of the First National Bank of Searcy. It was during these years in Searcy that Bob developed a profound love for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, and raising cattle.

Bob's journey then took him back to Northwest Arkansas in 1979 as he joined Security Bank of Harrison as Executive Vice President, focusing on advertising, business development, and commercial lending. In June 1983, he headed to Claremore, Oklahoma, accepting a position with Rogers County Bank (now RCB Bank). Under his leadership, the bank grew significantly, and by his promotion in 2004 to Senior Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer/Investment Officer, RCB Bank had become a two-billion-dollar institution. Bob served as a Director on the RCB Bank Board and was a stockholder for many years. Bob remained steadfast in his role until his retirement in April 2013, leaving behind a considerable legacy as a valued asset to the banks and communities he served.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bob was a man of deep faith, being an active member of the Claremore First Methodist Church. He was also known for his active involvement in various civic organizations, including an appointment to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in February 2009, a role he accepted with great honor.

Bob was an enthusiastic traveler who cherished time spent outdoors. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, horseback riding, gardening, and watching the television show "Blue Bloods." He found joy in riding his Kubota Tractor and loved spending time in his man cave, enjoying the company of friends who would stop by. Bob was a loyal supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and took pride in his role as a doting companion to his dog, Mac. Bob enjoyed eating breakfast at Norm's Cafe and dinner at the Finish Line Restaurant; everyone loved seeing him multiple times a week.

Those family members that survive include his sons, Powell McKinney and wife Magan of Bentonville, Arkansas, Todd McKinney of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and Sam McKinney of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his grandchild, Judah Decker; his sister, Martha Nan Medley and husband Larry; and his dearest friend and companion, Carolyn Hooker, and his faithful dog, Mac. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mearl Robert McKinney, Sr., and Nadine (King) McKinney.

Bob McKinney will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his profession, his community service, his love for the outdoors, and the enduring relationships he built throughout his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.