Charles Cleveland Kinney, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024. He was born in San Antonio, TX on May 28, 1927 to Charles Cleveland Kinney, Sr. and Bertha Mae Powell Kinney. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Austin where he grew up. He was an only child born during the Great Depression, but was very close to his cousins and developed lifelong friendships starting at an early age. He was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Eagle Scout award. He graduated from Austin High School in 1944 and immediately left to serve in the United States Navy as an aviation cadet as World War II ended. Returning to attend The University of Texas, he graduated with a business degree while being an active member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He began his career in Houston, working in the insurance industry for 38 years including The Texas Department of Insurance, Texas Casualty Insurance Company, and was co-owner of Kinney/Jones Independent Insurance Agency. The agency merged with Fred S. James International Brokerage Firm, where he served as General Manager.
During his early years in Houston, he lived in a house full of bachelors, many of whom he continued close friendships with for the duration of his life. He met the love of his life, Marilyn Bennett, at a Beatnik party in Houston in 1959, and they were married in December of 1961. They celebrated 62 years of marriage last month. In 1983, as empty nesters, they fled the big city and moved to their ranch in New Ulm, TX. Charlie retired shortly after and enjoyed many years of active outdoor living. He was an avid tennis player, playing until he was 95, and spent countless hours working outdoors and on the ranch. He and his wife were very involved in the Bellville community as active members of Bellville Methodist Church and with the R.A.P. Mentor program where he impacted many young lives and served as President in 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Bennett Kinney; his two daughters and their husbands, Laura and James Robertson, Carol and William Mather; three grandchildren and their spouses, Hope (Trevor) Schoen, John (Riley) Mather, and Russ Mather; one great grandson, Hudson Schoen. All of these he loved dearly and touched deeply.
Charlie lived his life to the fullest; his energy was contagious and he never stopped! He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend and a true gentleman.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive, College Station, TX 77840. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A&M United Methodist Church (same address as above).
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