Willis L. Kinard

Chief Warrant Officer Willis L. Kinard United States Army (Ret.), age 91 of Islandton, entered into eternal rest Monday morning, September 13, 2021 at the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro.

Born May 28, 1930 in Lodge and was a son of the late Ersie Duncan Kinard and the late Essie Polk Kinard of Islandton. He honorably served our country faithfully for twenty-one years before his retirement from the United States Army in 1966 as a Chief Warrant Officer. He was a combat veteran of the Korean Conflict and also the Vietnam Era.  He was awarded many honors during his service.  For his valor during combat operations, he was awarded the Bronze Star, The Air Medal with 17 Oak Leaf Clusters, one with a “V” device, The Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. 

He was a member of Adnah United Methodist Church in Islandton. Willis was dearly loved by his family. He will always be remembered for his loyalty and determination. He loved Toby’s Bluff, Fishing and Hunting.   He was a life member of Hudson Masonic Lodge No. 373 – Ancient Free Masons in Islandton. 

Surviving are; his wife, Mrs. Ruby R. Kinard; a brother Lt. Col. Theodore Kinard (USAF RET); a sister, retired Ruffin Postmistress Joyce Kinard Breland; a son, Walter Dean Kinard of Charleston; a daughter Ruth Elizabeth Kinard of Walterboro; a daughter-in-law, Judith (McCourry) Kinard; a granddaughter Sarah May Kastner of Naperville, IL; Abigail Remington of Castle Rocks, CO; PO2 Nathan Kinard, USN of New York, New York.  His step children, Debbie Jones; Jackie Martin (Ernie), Robert Martin (?); and Allice Givens (Mark) of Colleton County; and a step son-in-law Homer, twelve step grandchildren and their families; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nine Mae Kinard of Islandton and a step daughter, Carolyn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Adnah United Methodist Church. 500 Adnah Church Road, Islandton, South Carolina 29929.  

Funeral services will be conducted 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, September 16, 2021, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro.  The Reverend Mark Givens officiating.  Interment will follow in Adnah United Methodist Churchyard, Adnah Church Road, Islandton. 

The family will receive friends prior to the funeral ceremony beginning at 1 o’clock at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.  Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willis L. Kinard, please visit our floral store.