Farewell to the Candy Man

Today I attended the funeral of one of the greatest men I have ever known. Colonel William LeRoy Kinney died Sunday. This 94 year old man has live a long life showing others how to be Christ like. He has extended his heart to many, many people. He was like a grandfather to me. He and his first wife, Mrs. Ruthie used to baby sit me and my brother and then my other brother and sister after we adopted them. He came into my life when I was just a baby. He was known then as the “Candy Man” at church. He always had candy and hugs for us little ones and this never stopped even after I grew up and moved away. Every time I would visit Zion Baptist Church, I would go and see him and he always gave me a hug and a kiss along with a piece of candy. He even had candy at his funeral. This made everyone smile and cry. He was always willing to help those in need. He would take people to the doctors, pray for them, help out with finance, and call the department of family and children services to help others get on their feet. One lady at DFACS asked how he came to find so many people in need or how did they came to find him. A story was shared today about 2 men who showed (in the pouring rain and soaked to the bone) up after church services wanting a place to crash. The preacher asked him “What do you think?” and the Colonel said that “every man needed a dry bed to sleep in.” That night they put them up in the hotel next to the church. The men asked if they could repay them and they said if you like you can come tomorrow and stack chairs. These guys actually showed up. The Colonel stated that he could count of one hand the number of people who have paid him back. He would do this even if it cost him. Such as the time when the people he put up in the hotel stole everything from the room from towels to the T.V. He was a man who loved everyone regardless. He was an investor, not just in stocks and bond but in the lives of others. He would never take credit for the deeds he has done, but always gave credit to his father in heaven.

He also shared in the excitement of others and never forgot them. I had told him a while back that Mike and I were adopting from China and when I went to see him last month while he was very sick asked me about my China doll and when I was going to get her. I told him it would be a while. This is a man that I would have loved for my daughter to have met. I just hope that I can in some small way be able to exhibit the Character of Christ that this man has. Good bye, I love you and will miss you.

The photos was taken in January of 2006 with his 2nd wife Bobbie whom he has been married to for 10 years after the death of his first wife, Mrs. Ruthie Kinney.