Mr. Leonard “Jack” Kinney Sr., 76, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, following an extended illness. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 8, 1949, and was the son of the late Cliffton Kinney and Kizella Kinney. He was married to the late Annie Lee Parker Kinney for over 52 years. In addition to his beautiful wife, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Odell Kinney; two grandsons, Anthony and Jerrod Kinney; brothers, Clemmon, Clifford and Lamont Kinney; a sister, Judy; a sister-in-law, Carolyn; a niece, April Stinson Gillespie; and a great nephew, Dailen Woods.
He was a man of remarkable skill and determination, especially when it came to working with his hands. During his life, he taught himself how to repair VCRs and televisions, eventually turning that talent into his own business. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit were also evident in his years co-owning and operating the Sunoco gas station on Shelton Avenue. He was also a machine operator at Fibers for many years when he retired.
He deeply loved his family and showed it through his constant care and concern for others. He encouraged us all to look out for one another, especially our elders. His annual family cookouts were a highlight each year full of good food, spades, basketball, and volleyball games, and joyful moments. He greeted everyone with a big smile, often with a camera in hand to capture the memories.
Left to remember the blessing of his life are his children, Kizler Kinney and Leonard “Naughty” (Shelley) Kinney; five grandchildren, Marvin (Ashley) Heaggans, Antionne (Clorissa) Heaggans, Lasasha Kinney, Nichelle (Charles) Raines, and Ashlynn Kinney; seventeen great grandchildren, Marceanna Heaggans, Makayla Heaggans, Alayshia Brown, Ja’Nae Brown, Marvin Heaggans III, Elijah Heaggans, Zio Heaggans, Aniyah Heaggans, Arianna Heaggans, Antionne Heaggans Jr., Adreama Kinney, Deyontae Kinney, Charity Raines, Mariah Raines, Mahleek Raines, Mikko Raines, and JeMareyah Stevenson; two great-great grandchildren, A’kinston Robinson and Kalani Kinney; nine brothers, Ellard (Cheryl) of Cleveland, Ohio, Johnathan of Cleveland, Ohio, Aaron (Goldie) and Joktan, both of Virginia Beach, Va., Matthew (Darlene) of Matthews, N.C., and Rickey, Claude (Tammi) and Jabo, all of Cleveland, Ohio; eight sisters, Renee of Cleveland, Ohio, Jackie of Georgia, Carolyn, Latrese, Sabrina, Sharron, Daphane and Evette, all of Cleveland, Ohio; and four sisters-in-law, Monica Kinney, Peggy (Tyrone) Morrison, Maggie Alexander and Kathy Grimes.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION to Honorary Nieces Denise Gillespie and Ebony Stinson; Honorary Great Nephew Parker Stinson; Honorary Cousin Polly Thompson; and a very special, dear friend, Requal “Binky” Murdock.
Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary is serving the Kinney family.