• George Emerson Kinney Jr

    18 Jun 2017
Name: George Emerson Kinney Jr
Location: Mount Ida, AR
D.O.B.: 11/29/1938
D.O.D.: 06/18/2017

  • George Emerson Kinney Jr., age 78, of Mount Ida, AR, passed away June 18, 2017 in Hot Springs, AR. He was born November 29, 1938 to the late George Emerson Kinney Sr. and Jeanne Dupree in Brownsville, TN.

     

    George is survived by Emilie, his wife of 50 years, of Mount Ida, his son, Donald Kinney, daughter, Katherine Johnson (Rob), his precious grandchildren, Gavin Emerson Johnson and Morgan Emilie Johnson, all of Phoenix, AZ, sister, Kittie McRae (Al) of Brownsville, TN, along with cousins, nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

     

    Upon graduating from Brownsville High School, George attended Arizona State University. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1960. His service as an MP led him to a long career in law enforcement. George retired as sergeant from the Phoenix Police Department. He then was Director of Security at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. When he and Emilie relocated to their woodland home on the Coconino National Forest in Arizona, he joined the AZ Department of Corrections, serving in Winslow as lead investigator. Finally in 2003, the couple moved back south, settling in idyllic Montgomery County, AR.

     

    George was a staunch patriot and a keen outdoorsman. Hunting, fishing and camping were his life long favorite pastimes.

     

    George was sent for cremation under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR. A Memorial Service will be held at Joplin Methodist Church, 59 Mountain Harbor Rd., on Friday, June 23, at 11:00AM with Reverend Russell Hull officiating.  Honorary pallbearers: Ron Branstiter, Bill Bullock, Danny Gwinn, Bill Hunter, Bob Springer and Rick Twitchell. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

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  • 8 comments

    Karen Hamilton

    20 Jun 2017

    So sorry to hear such sad news Emilie. May the Lord give you comfort.

    Reply

    Denny and Lynn Owens

    21 Jun 2017

    The passing of George is devastating news. George and I met while stationed together while in the Army in Heidelberg, Germany in the early 60's. We spent time together in the 529th (nickel-duce-niner) MP Company and discovered the local Deutschland scene in our time off. As life often does, we went our separate ways, but oftentimes a memory of that time would surface, including our association with our third amigo, Willy. A few years back all three of us re-connected and together we offered our recollections of what it was like to serve overseas during the cold war to the editor of the Brownsville, TN., newspaper. She was interested in publishing some of our memories in a Veteran's Day issue of the paper. Since that time all three of us have been communicating via e-mail and that occasional telephone call. We learned that we still had the same ideas and beliefs we had held over 50 years ago. George was still uncanny in his wit, knowledge, and sage advice. His seriousness side often hid his humorous bits of inclusion during a normal conversation. Without missing a beat, he'd flash his wonderful smile and at that time you realized he had just zinged you. His laugh was memorable when I first heard it and marveled at it being the same when we visited him and Emilie in March of 2015. Although our visit was too short, we were fortunate to get together and reminisce. George was the epitome of a great law enforcement officer. Whether it be as an MP in Germany, a Sergeant with Phoenix PD or a Supervisor with the AZ. Dept. of Corrections, he was true to the profession with his honesty, integrity, and dedication to duty. I'm very thankful to have known George and feel honored to be able to call him a dear friend. Gone but not forgotten. Our prayers are with you Emilie and to your family as we remember a very compassionate and loving person. Denny and Lynn Owens, Excelsior, Minnesota.

    Reply

    Russell Denison

    21 Jun 2017

    Our thought and prayers are with Emilie and her family. George was a good and longtime friend.

    Reply

    Kelly Sanderson

    21 Jun 2017

    I have been good friends with George since the mid 1970s and our families have had many great times together. My sorrow goes out to George's family and friends for this terrible loss. George was a great man and my thoughts will always be of the great long relationship we had together. When issues came up in my life George was always there for me and to offer his advice and comfort. I will surely miss this guy.

    Reply

    George Gould

    21 Jun 2017

    Rest in Peace, we have your watch. Until we meet again.

    Reply

    Brian and LuAnn Kornegay

    22 Jun 2017

    Our thoughts are with the entire Kinney Family.

    Reply

    Susie Melton

    26 Jun 2017

    Dear Emilie, Donald, and Katherine, The Melton family is saddened to learn of George's passing. We have fond memories of the camping times we shared and Kristen, especially, has always remembered their shared "turkey" tease. Sincerest condolences, warm thoughts and prayers to all. Lovingly, Susie and Stuart and the kids

    Reply

    Ron and Sharon Montgomery

    8 Jul 2017

    Emilie, we are so very sorry to hear of Georges passing. He was such a close friend and so helpful to us. I tried to give him moral support through our Email correspondence. As you may know, I am living with similar medical problems. George will remain in hearts, prayers, and mind. May God bless you. We send our love to you and your family. Ron and Sharon

    Reply