By Clay Waldron – Originally published in the 2010 Founder’s Review Magazine
Marion County native Dr. Chris McKenney has made many friends while working in Belleview over the past 26 years. “The best thing is helping people learn how to live a healthy lifestyle without drugs and surgeries,” said McKenney.
McKenney met the love of his life, Debbie, on a memorable Spring Break trip to Vero Beach. They married after he graduated from Forest High School in 1976. He then attended the University of South Florida as a pre-med student, initially aiming to become a veterinarian.
One summer, while working construction, McKenney had an accident and injured his hip. To relieve the pain, he visited a chiropractor. After a few visits, he decided that chiropractic was his calling. Once he graduated from Life Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, he and Debbie wanted to open an office in a small town where they could raise a family and know everyone in town. Dr. Coon, a friend of McKenney, had been in Belleview but had moved.
In February 1984, McKenney Chiropractic opened with $212.00 on C-25 in the white building across from where Fastenal is today. He rented it from Mrs. Buchalla, who gave him the first few months free. The office was in the front of the building, with an apartment in the back.
They started attending First Baptist Church in Belleview and met Greg McWhite and Rev. Damon Walker. McKenney fit in with the local “Good Old Boys” because they shared a love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. McKenney has joined Ike Rainey on several big game hunting trips to Canada.
McKenney loves fishing in the Bahamas and Crystal River, where he moved four years ago. He mainly targets redfish and trout and likes to explore the mangrove creeks around Crystal River. “In the Bahamas, there is a larger variety of fish to go after, but bone fishing is one of the best. It’s like combining hunting and fishing. I love the island life,” said McKenney.
When McKenney arrives in the Bahamas, he likes to get on the radio and talk to the other islanders. Once they hear that “Happy Puppy” (his boat’s name and radio handle) is on the island, many of the islanders want to have their backs adjusted. On the island, he can just be a doctor helping people without worrying about government regulations. He has been paid in trade on the island with many things, including fish and lobster.
Debbie and Chris raised two daughters, Brittany and Ashley, both graduating from Belleview High School. McKenney coached baseball and softball at the Belleview Sports Complex between 1986 and 2000. When the girls were old enough to play high school ball, he started attending their games.
The girls have followed their father’s footsteps into the medical field. Dr. Brittany is the newest chiropractor on the McKenney team and is already working beside her father. Ashley became interested in acupuncture after having treatments before her swim meets in high school. She is currently in acupuncture school and will be joining the rest of the family at the office once she graduates.
The family has always had a health-oriented mindset and has stayed away from medications and invasive treatments. The business grew rapidly, largely due to Debbie’s help, from running the front desk to doing x-rays. McKenney credits much of the business’s growth to Debbie’s dedication. “We are like a family, and the staff has been instrumental to my success,” said McKenney.
