Lincoln Augusta McKinney was born to his parents, Charles Lincoln McKinney and Lillie Mae Beard McKinney. He was a grandson to Charles A McKinney. He was affectionately known as "Gus" to family and friends. He married Donijean Lafferty, affectionately known as "Jean". Their first child, a boy they named Charles, died days after he was born. Their second child, Beverly Ann McKinney, was born April 20, 1940. Unfortunately, she passed away at the age of 63, in January of 2004.

Gus was a Master Carpenter, and worked with a major developer/construction company in Louisville, KY, constructing many of the office and corporate buildings in downtown Louisville. He also did remodeling as a side business. When he would learn that a family couldn't afford the home maintenance or repairs needed, many times he wouldn't charge them. He often did home repairs for his sister, Ruth Meyers, who also lived in Louisville. He was a loving and generous man to his family and friends. His daughter, Beverly, and her husband, Kenneth Madison, gave him and his wife five grandchildren - they were Deborah, Wayne, Terri, Richard, and Patrick. He loved to hunt and loved fishing, bringing home his successes for the family to enjoy.

As a funny aside, he had several antiques and his brother, Teddy McKinney, frequently came up from Horse Cave, KY, to ask for some. It wasn't revealed until much later that Teddy was actually selling them at auction and pocketing the money. Gus gave them to him freely, each and every time he visited.

Gus was a 33rd Degree Mason and cared about his community and his relationship with God.

He had a musical and infectious laugh, and his twinkling blue eyes often smiled before the corners of his mouth did. He was a wonderful and patient teacher as he taught his grandson, Wayne, everything he knew. Wayne continues the remodeling business and he continues Gus's moral concern and care for his friends and community, often not charging if he sees they can't afford to, or if it's family.

Gus leaves behind a wealth of fond and loving memories to those who loved and absolutely adored him.