Kylen Jarrel McKinney was born on April 19, 2003, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Shellie Grice and Andrea McKinney. Kylen graduated from Malvern High School with his class of 2021 in Malvern, Arkansas. While attending, he participated in JROTC and was a member of the Malvern High School Leopards football team. Kylen was a kind and loving person. Wherever he was he always stole the show and lived life to the fullest.  He was a people person and had an infectious smile.  The family was of the utmost importance to him, and he enjoyed reuniting with all his family for a good time together showing nothing but laughter and love towards one another.  

His family was his greatest love. His soul was wrapped up in fast, exotic cars and trucks. His favorite was a Chevy, earning him the nickname, “Heavy Chevy.”  Kylen not only had a love for cars, but he had a passion and knowledge of how they were made and enjoyed fixing them up. He loved racing, cruising, and just driving in general. Before the Lord called him home he was in the process of pursuing his career to be a truck driver. His dreams of a candy-painted truck with McKinney Trucking in big letters were so vivid. Kylen would go out of his way to help someone, especially senior citizens. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bulls. He also had a secret talent and passion for drawing. Kylen grew up to be a brilliant man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him.

On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, Kylen departed this earthy life to be our guardian angel in heaven. His work on earth was finished and God saw fit to call him home. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Aljewell Fort; two uncles, Anthony Fort, and Fredrick McKinney; one aunt, Kindall Fort, and one nephew, Tyrie.

He leaves to cherish his memories and love left: his loving parents, Shellie Grice, of Arkadelphia, and Andrea McKinney, of Hope; 8 siblings, Shakieda (Ladarius), Lavonte, Arneshia, Archantae (Kyle), Diamond, Kassidy, and Tashaun; grandmother, Octavia McKinney; love of his life, Blair Gatlin; one aunt, Jennifer (Pastor James) Story; one uncle, Eric (Monica) Fort; two great uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. 

Funeral services are under the direction of  Mitchell Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, July 29, 2022, from noon until 6 p.m. Celebration services will be on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Malvern High School in Malvern, AR at 1 p.m. with Rev. Patrick Gulley serving as officiant and Rev. Marco Giles serving as eulogist. A balloon release, committal, and final resting place will be at Piney Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia. Dinner will be served immediately after at the Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation Center in Arkadelphia.