Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Gamma Rho Chapter
In Loving Memory
Bro. Rev. Dr. Johnny M. McKinnies, Sr.
Charter Member & the Chapter’s First Vice Basileus
October 1, 1933 – September 23, 2026
A Life of Brotherhood & Service
Bro. Rev. Dr. Johnny M. McKinnies, Sr. was born October 1, 1933, in New Orleans and entered eternal rest on September 23, 2026, at the age of 92. A graduate of L.B. Landry High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas College, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Southern University of Baton Rouge, and a Master of Divinity and Doctoral degree from Union Baptist College and Theological Seminary of New Orleans. He devoted 32 years to the Jefferson Parish School System, teaching at Bunche Junior High and Benjamin Banneker Elementary before serving 22 years as Assistant Principal at Henry Ford Junior High and John Ehret High School. He also ministered for 30 years at Mount Sinai Baptist Church and was a Master Mason with the Pride of Algiers Lodge #102, Prince Hall. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a mentor to generations of students and young men throughout his life.
His Legacy in Omega
Bro. McKinnies was initiated into Sigma Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi in the Spring of 1958. He also was a Charter member of Gamma Rho Chapter and served the chapter as the chapter’s first Vice Basileus and later became chapter Basileus in 1968, helping shape the chapter in its earliest years. They began to meet in the back of Bro. Mckinnies’ home on Whitney Avenue. His lifetime of service as an educator, minister, and mentor stands as a living example of Omega Psi Phi’s Four Cardinal Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Carried out not as ideals, but as a daily practice across three decades in the classroom and three decades in the pulpit. The brothers of Gamma Rho carry his legacy forward in every young man we mentor and every student we support.
Bro. Johnny M. McKinnies, Sr. has crossed over into the Omega Chapter.
The brothers of Gamma Rho Chapter extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. His work is finished. Friendship is essential to the soul.
Funeral Service & Memorial Arrangements
The funeral service for Charter Member Rev. Johnny M. McKinnies, Sr. will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Israel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1612 Esther Street, Harvey, LA 70058.
The Gamma Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will conduct a Memorial Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral service.
Following the funeral service, the repast will be held at the MLK Recreation Center, located at 2400 Lester Street, Harvey, LA. The recreation center is approximately two blocks from the church.
Funeral Service: 10:00 AM
Gamma Rho Memorial Service: 9:00 AM
Church: Israel Missionary Baptist Church
Address: 1612 Esther Street, Harvey, LA 70058
Repast: MLK Recreation Center, 2400 Lester Street, Harvey, LA