On Sunday, December 5, 2021, Ricky gained his heavenly wings, God needed him to lead His heavenly choir. He was born in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Lonnie and Barbara McKinney Dubose on August 26, 1953.

Ricky graduated from West Forsyth High School. He furthered his education at Winston-Salem State University and Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC.

He was employed with the City of Winston-Salem, Douglas Battery and Carpet World before using his gifts and talents to render and direct music at a multitude of churches. Among them are Zion Hill, Mars Hill, Red Bank, Pilgrim Rest, Goler Memorial, the Winston-Salem District AME Zon Church and Dreamland Park Baptist Church. He played many instruments, wrote music, and could sing every note and part of a song just by hearing. Choir members all over the city have acknowledged his gifts and talents.

He was also loved because of his kind, loving heart and always had a comment to keep you smiling. We loved him, but God loved him more.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara McKinney-Dubose, father, Lonnie Dubose; grandmother, Walter Lou McKinney; grandfather, Robert Lee McKinney; aunt, Suzanna Tate; uncle, Leonard; and a brother Ronnie "Pug" Gore.

He leaves to cherish fond memories a niece, Liteca Davis; nephew, Ronnie Gore, Jr., three great nieces Dana (Jason) Singleton, Makayla Gore, and Jada McCoy; one great nephew, Matthew Davis, and a host of other cousins and special friends, including very close and devoted friends Wallace Wright and Dewey Watson.

A private memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 2021 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church. There will be no public viewing of Mr. McKinney and memorial service will be a 60-person limit.