TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — On Wednesday night, dozens came together at a memorial, to remember Tyras McKinney. He was shot and killed last week while working at Clippers barbershop in Tallahassee.
"I see how much you love TJ and how much you care for TJ. The love is overwhelming. It's what's sustaining us through this moment," said Cassandra McKinney, TJ's stepmother.
Love and support helping McKinney's family and friends get through the unspeakable.
"I don't understand today. I don't understand why a good person is gone," said McKinney.
TJ, as he was known by loved ones, remembered Wednesday night during a memorial service in Tallahassee.
McKinney was described as a gentle giant someone who was always vibrant, whose 3-year-old son and fiancée were his entire world and a man who loved his family.
"He was a great young man at home. I had no trouble, no problem his entire life. And he dearly loved his granddaddy," said Nathanial Williams , TJ's Grandpa.
McKinney's grandpa saying TJ called him every week and he was so excited to marry his long-time girlfriend, Niesha, this fall.
Pastor Joseph Davis of TJ's church last saw him the week before he died
"We had met after church and had a wonderful conversation on Father's Day. They had a wonderful future planned. And this whole thing just changed on a different trajectory. And it really is just disheartending," said Pastor Joseph Davis, Truth Gatherers Dream Center Church.
Pastor Davis says it's a tragedy to see a life taken too soon.
McKinney was 27-years-old and you could always find him smiling in church with family by his side.
"TJ was loved and he leaves that legacy on to us and we just have to keep that love going," said Cassandra McKinney.
The family is standing strong during this time of mourning, in TJ's honor.
