Donald Regis McKinley

Donald Regis McKinley, 80, a resident of Fort Myers, FL since 2014, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020 at his home in Fort Myers. He was born December 5, 1939 in Pittsburgh, PA to Regis and Edith, now deceased. He was an only child.

Donald was of the Presbyterian faith and served in the United States Army and then in the

XXI US Army Corps until his Honorable discharge in 1967. He was a strong man with a big heart, who never met a stranger.

He started working in a body shop and found his long-life hobby of building cars. Don was successful in business with the McKinley Insurance Agency and Real Estate. He was proud to be a Mason and Shriner in support fundraising efforts for the Shriners Hospitals. Don was a Volunteer with Health Park/Golisano Children’s Hospital and assigned to the Golf Cart team and looked forward to every Wednesday to meet at 11am to eat lunch with his fellow “cart buddies” and then work his shift 12-4.

Don built over 25 classic cars that took several national awards and is known for his attention to detail and his signature pinstripe of the Chevy Bowtie and do not forget the chrome! Don had a vision and one of his many dear friends said, “whatever he touches turns to gold, he would correct them and say No it was Chrome”. In the Southwest Florida Car Show and Cruise-in scenes he was known as the Governor and enjoyed marketing all shows as this is the way to keep interest in our current generation to carry on the love of cars. Since making Fort Myers his home he has brought 7 new Classic/Muscle cars into our local community and kept his beloved 1955 Belair then he added April’s 1969 Camaro and the 2018 limited edition Orange Crush-convertible Hot Wheels Camaro to celebrate 50 years of the Chevy Camaro. In the winter of 2020 Don started on a 1955 Chevy truck as a twin to his 55 Belair but his health prevented his progress. His best friend Mike “Superman” with CLB Customs team finished his vision and added their extra touch. CLB delivered it in style and brought Don to his knees filled with tears of joy and peace. With great gratitude to Mike M and Gary O who took the time to give Don a ride in his 55 Chevy Truck and have have his 55 Belair displayed side by side “twins” at a cruise-in hosted by the Boulevard Tavern in Gateway.

He is survived by his loving longtime life partner, April Love Ulfig of Fort Myers;  his biggest cheerleader,  Chrissy Love of Fort Myers; Like a brother his cousin, Robert Jones of Toronto OH; cousins Kathy, Ken and Barbara as well as three grandchildren, Braeden Schneider, Carissa Schneider, and Makalyn Schneider and father Mike Schneider all of Raleigh NC. His daughter, Kelly Green of Raleigh NC.

Don had a magnetic personality and a laugh you will never forget.

Don’s wish was to have a Celebration of Life and request that everyone drives their Classic/Muscle/Hot Rod to display his true passion of cars. Celebration starts at 11:00 AM. Memorial Services with Military Honors will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the VFW, 1770 Pine Ridge Road, Fort Myers, FL 33931. 12:30 PM- Don’s Legacy and ends with lunch and his very own dessert table provided by American Gold Star Mothers of Southwest Florida.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Donald Regis McKinley are suggested to:

VFW Post 10097

 17770 Pine Ridge Fort Myers, FL 33931 Attention Commander Rob Barnes 239.466.6400

American Gold Star Mothers of SWFL-Mothers who strive to keep the memory of their sons and daughters by working to help Veterans.  www.goldstarmothersswfl.org

Golisano Children’s Hospital- www.leehealthfoundation.org

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.