Mr. Gaylen George McKinley, age 71, of Barnesville, Ga., died Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. McKinley was born April 19, 1952, in Thomaston, Ga. to the late George Aldine "Mack" McKinley and Burdie Long McKinley Brannon. Mr. Gaylen graduated from Yatesville High School and then went on to Auburn University, graduated with Civil Engineering, P.E, "War Eagle" all the way. He was self-employed at McKinley Environmental and Engineering Consultants.  He was his own electrician and plumber and could fix and build anything.  His passion was old cars and he loved his dogs, they were his best pals around the house. He loved sitting on the porch, having a good time with his family and friends. He loved his baby girls.  He was a devoted father, grandfather and friend.  He had a lot of friends that adored him and he adored them just as much.   He is preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his mother, Burdie Long McKinley Brannon of Thomaston; wife, Kay Smith McKinley of Barnesville; daughters, Adrian Griffith of Thomaston, and Callie (Sam) Coker of Thomaston; sister, Sharon (Hardy) Mitchell of Thomaston; grandchildren, Avery Rae Griffith, Mattie Griffith, Marlie Kelly, Maizy Kelly, Tatum Coker, Easton Harris, and Benji Harris; stepson, Seth (Charlie) Harris of Griffin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dan (Donna) Smith of Griffin, Robert W. Smith of Griffin, Michael W. Smith of Easton, Nancy Smith (Terry) Gordy of Griffin; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 3, 2023, at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Southview Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, July 3, 2023, from 10-11 a.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.