Virgil Trenell McKinney III of Collinsville, IL, born May 22, 2021, in St. Louis, MO, earned his angel wings on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Virgil, lovingly known as "Three", spent the first eight months of his life under the loving care of the staff at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Three communicated through sign language and knew English as well as Spanish. No matter what the circumstances were, he always had a beautiful smile.

Three's favorite color was blue, and he loved learning. He loved numbers, letters, and wheels. Everyone that met Three was instantly captivated by his loving spirit and smile. Three taught us a valuable lesson during his short time here on Earth. He taught and showed us that GOD is REAL!!! Three overcame so much during his time here. He was the bravest child we have ever met! He took whatever circumstances came his way and NEVER let it stop him from whatever he wanted to do.

Three has such a powerful light around him. He gave THE BEST hugs!! We got to experience a pure indescribable love that will never be duplicated. We will miss him terribly but are comforted knowing his final resting spot is with JESUS.

He is survived by his mother, Kelciera Matthews; father, Virgil McKinney Jr.; maternal grandmother, Callie Louise McLin of Memphis, TN; Oma, Kerstin Parmley of Chesterfield, MO; maternal great grandfather, Dave Matthews, Jr. of Memphis, TN; paternal grandparents, Virgil McKinney Sr., Stephanie Bland, Lilliam McKinney and Elnora Bland all of Memphis, TN; grandtee, Cynthia Bland of Memphis, TN; aunties, Betty Bland, Sylvia Matthews, Debra Matthews, Lillian McKinney (Loreal and Landon) , Chaniese Matthews (Gabbie) and Louvenia Matthews (Zion, LaVara, Kantreal) all of Memphis, TN; uncle, Christian Daniel (Mia), Curtis McKinney, Marcus McKinney, all of Memphis, TN; and Carlos Harris of Tunica Mississippi, grand uncle, Daniel Matthews of Memphis, TN; many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his two home healthcare nurses who were like family, Grandma Sheila Burnett and Aunt Tracy Van Dyke.

Visitation will be 4pm to 6pm on Friday, May 5, 2023 at New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, 4700 West Florissant Ave, St. Louis. MO 63115.

Funeral service following visitation at 6pm at the church with Rev. Brandon Blake officiating. To honor Three, the family request everyone in attendance wear shades of blue, if possible. Three's favorite color was blue.

Celebration of Life following funeral services at 4433 Woodson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63134.

Memorials are suggested to St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.