John A. Kinney Jr.'s Obituary
John Augustus Kinney, Jr., 73, of Memphis passed from this life on November 13, 2023 at Methodist Memorial Hospital, Germantown, TN, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 16, 1949 in Memphis, TN to Martha and John A. Kinney, Sr. and was the baby brother to two older brothers, Paul and Don, and big sister, Helen. He graduated from Memphis Catholic School in 1969. After high school he attended Memphis State and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1970 until his honorable discharge in 1976. John worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber as a tire builder until they closed. Due to his work ethic and large size, he was asked to become a bar bouncer and manager for the East End Grill. After it closed, he then went on to work at TJ Mulligans for many years until he retired in 2012.
John was an avid sports fan. On most fall Saturdays he was cheering the Memphis Tigers on to victory, and Sundays were dedicated to his beloved Dallas Cowboys. John was a devoted friend and neighbor. Many days you would find John sitting on the front porch, sweet tea in hand, chatting with the neighbors next door or even whistling the tune, Bridge On the River Kwai, with the neighbors’ bird across the street. John had a gentle heart like no other, always respectful and gallant towards his wife and daughters – a true Renaissance man indeed. More than anything though, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His eyes would light up each time he got a hug from his daughters or a surprise visit from a giggling grandchild. He was their No. 1 fan, cheering them on in life every step of the way. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John A. Kinney Sr. and Martha Kinney, his brother Paul, and sister Helen Lamberth. John is survived by his devoted wife of 11 years, Robyn Kinney, daughters Ginger [Will] Comstock and Megan Kinney; brother Don Kinney; stepsons Casey [April] Cass and Chase [Lindsey] Cass; grandchildren Reid Comstock (18), Hunter Comstock (16), Gavin Comstock (10), Florence Cass (11), Kaitlyn Cass (16), Heidi Cass (13), and Paxton Cass (9); as well as many nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN on Sunday, November 19, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, with a brief service held at 3pm. Burial will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or other charity of your choosing.
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