Newly reopened bridge named for McKinney Family

ELIZABETHTON — A Carter County bridge that was out of service for over a year because of the flooding from Hurricane Helene is now back in service and carrying the name of a family who has had roots in the Valley Forge community for 130 years. The bridge on Long Hollow Road that spans the Doe River was renamed the "Blackeye" Mckinney Memorial Bridge during a dedication ceremony on Thursday morning. The ceremony was attended by many members of the family, and also by Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby, Carter County Highway Superintendent Shannon Burchett and several county commissioners. The bridge is once again serving the community after a $2.2 million remodeling effort. Woodby thanked the efforts of many county employees of the finance, highway, and other departments who helped return the bridge to service. The McKinney Family was praised for their long-time service and work for the community. In addition to being a part of Valley Forge for over a century, family members also served in the military during the nation's wars. That tradition is traced to Ollie McKinney, who served in World War I. Ollie McKinney and his wife, Elvina McKinney, were the parents of Pink Edward McKinney, Roy Nathaniel McKinney, Arvel Lynn McKinney, Phyllis McKinney Oliver, Larry Wayne McKinney and Terry Lee McKinney, all the family members had extremely dark brown eyes, giving the "Blackeye" nickname. Brothers Larry and Terry McKinney continued their father's military tradition during Vietnam War. Larry served aboard the U.S.S. Constitution and Terry served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Terry was the recipient of four Purple Hearts, a Broanze Star with a "V" device for valor, the Vietnam Service Medal, with one Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. Larry also served his community as a member of the Carter County Commission and the Carter County Planning Commission. The McKinney's were also part of a community group that travelled to Nashville to petition Governor Lamar Alexander to replace the bridge after a flood in the 1970's. That effort succeeded. Mayor Woodby said "it was an honor for me to stand on the newly remodeled bridge to dedicate it to such a wonderful family. I remember almost two years ago I was standing on the same spat and stood and watched helplessly as homes and so many things people had worked their entire lives for washed down the river by Helene. Today was a testament to the resilience of Carter County".