Chris Scott McKenna

Chris McKenna, age 53, passed away surrounded by his loving family at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday, March 14, 2026. He was born on January 18, 1973, to the late Betty and Philip McKenna Sr., in New Bern, North Carolina. Chris was known to be a very hard worker in any endeavor he set his mind to. He worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years until his health problems got in the way. Chris was a handyman, whether it was electrical, plumbing, building things, etc, whatever it was, he could do it. He loved bunny bread, fishing, and his Red Seal dip. When you saw him, he always had his dip and a smile, waiting to make the perfect joke or to pick on someone just to get a laugh. Above all else, he was a good Christian man, who loved his family to no end, who will be remembered through all the wonderful memories they will cherish forever.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Alice Whiddon McKenna; sons, Justin McKenna (Ashton), Daniel McKenna (Brittany), and Devin McKenna (Brittany C.); grandchildren, Grace Wilkinson, Hadley McKenna, Harper McKenna, Ka'Leigha, Emerik and Jayson; siblings, Philip McKenna Jr. (Patti), Duane McKenna (Tracey), and Travis McKenna; sisters-in-law, Martha McKenna, Melissa Populus (Jason); brothers-in-law, Kevin Whiddon (Betty), Wesley Whiddon (Missy), Michael Whiddon, and Dennis Whiddon (Ashley); mother and father-in-law, Maggie and Charles Whiddon; his precious granddog, Coco; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were parents, Betty and Philip McKenna Sr.; grandchild, Baby McKenna; and his grandparents, C.B. and Hazel Smith, and Catherine McKenna.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Independence, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Independence, from 9:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Gene Hoyt will officiate the services with interment to follow in Lighthouse Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the Doctors and staff in the SICU and MICU at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, for their wonderful care and compassion during this journey.

Pallbearers will be Justin McKenna, Daniel McKenna, Devin McKenna, Aaron Cooper, Sidney Mulkey, and Scott Whiddon. Honorary pallbearers will be Chase Populus and Landon Populus.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.