Bill Kinney

Bill Kinney, 84, of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed from this life Friday, January, 24, 2014 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. Bill was born in Aransas Pass, Texas on January 12, 1930 to the late Isaac and Bessie Kinney. He went to sea in 1946 as a merchant sailor working on Esso tankers. He graduated from Aransas Pass High School as part of the class of 1947. When in port in New York, he was a Golden Gloves boxer for awhile.During the Korean War era, he served in the US Navy on the USS Estes with service off Korea, in the South Pacific supporting nuclear testing during operations Ivy and Castle, and in the Arctic (Operation Blue Nose).After discharge from the Navy, he briefly returned to Esso in 1955 before starting a new career in Texas as a retail store manager for Goodyear, while raising a family. Later he switched to a career in commercial sales, working for Certified Laboratories and Calgon Corporation in New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, and Arkansas. During this time he joined a Masonic Lodge, becoming a 32nd degree Mason. He spent the last 35 years of his life residing in Jonesboro. Retiring in 1985, he turned his attention to travelling, reconnecting with old friends and family, painting, and developed an interest in computers starting in his 60s.Bill is survived by his sons: Patrick Kinney of Phoenix, AZ and Douglas Kinney of Dallas, TX. Daughter: Lynn Risinger of Victoria, TX. Brother: Robert Kinney of Aiken, SC. And four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.A memorial service will be Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro, AR at 11:00 a.m. The family asks that no flowers be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please consider , Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E Mathews Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401

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