Rev. Robert Kinney, Jr.

Rev. Robert Franklin Kinney, Jr.

09-13-1925 - 02-03-2023

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Obituary of Rev. Robert Franklin Kinney, Jr.

Rev Robert Franklin Kinney, Jr. transitioned and gained his wings on February 3, 2023 with all his family by his side. He led a long life of serving and giving to others. He put God first and was rewarded with blessings on blessings.

Robert Franklin Kinney, Jr was born September 13, 1925 to Robert Franklin Kinney Sr. and Rosa Mae Foley Kinney in St. Albans, West Virginia on Redds Hill. He was the seventh of eight children, and all siblings preceded him in death. He attended Garnet High School in St. Albans, W. Va. He always wondered if he graduated as he never went back to his graduation as he had to work. For his 90th birthday, we secured a copy of his high school diploma and gave him his high school ring.

He started thinking of ways to be self-sufficient and earn his own money at a young age. He began working in the coal mines in West Virginia at a young age. He built his first house on Redds Hill as a teenager, and it is still standing today. Robert left West Virginia and followed his older siblings to Detroit, Michigan to work at Ford Motor Company. Robert worked in the chemical lab and received numerous awards for his ideas to improve the processes in his department. It was during this time, he began following the teachings of Bishop W. B. Stubbs. He became an ordained minister in the late 1940s.

He met the love of his life, Roxie Anna Gillam, in 1950 and married her on November 29, 1952. They went to Toledo to marry and enjoyed a happy time together. To this union, three children were born, Robert Franklin Kinney, III, Cherie Vanessa Kinney, and Renita Rosa Kinney. After nearly 10 years and with the support of his wife, he left Ford Motor Company and opened a chicken restaurant on Detroit’s east side and called it Roxie’s Chicken Shack. The business blossomed and they started selling the best sweet potato pies in the city. A few years later, together Bob and Roxie opened Roxie’s Dairy Bar on Detroit’s Westside. The lines were long for the lemon ice cream and those delicious sweet potato pies.

In 1974, Robert wanted a better life for his family, and he met an elderly man who made him an offer of land for a price he could not refuse. He packed up his family and moved to Aiken, South Carolina. He built the family home with the help of his wife, children, and a few of the neighbors. It was a beautiful place to raise his family and continue his ministry. Robert participated in local government, served as a pastor, and lent a hand to those he met in need.

He later built three additional houses to provide income for the household. He completed this with the help of his wife and children. In addition to being a hard worker, Robert was dedicated to the Lord and became a pastor at a young age under the leadership of Bishop Stubbs. He was a pastor for over 30 years and left a mark on everyone whom he met. He loved his family and friends and always gave great honest advice. He did not condone wrong; if you did not want to know the truth, do not ask.

Robert will sadly be missed by all who knew him, but he left a loving mark on this earth and will live on through his memories. He leaves to mourn his children, Robert Franklin (Kyra) Kinney of Detroit, Michigan, Cherie Vanessa (William) Haley of Aiken, South Carolina, Renita Rosa Kinney of Detroit, Michigan, two grandchildren, Celeste Cherie Kinney, and Darius DeSean Kinney of Detroit, Michigan, one sister-in-law, Carol Cox Kinney, his godson, Roland (Amanda), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His beloved grandson, Robert Franklin Kinney IV, and his loving wife Roxie Anna Kinney preceded him in death.

A Memorial Service will be held for Robert on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.

 

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Friday
3
March

Memorial Service

11:00 am - 11:30 am
Friday, March 3, 2023
Fort Jackson National Cemetery
4170 Percival Road
Columbia, South Carolina, United States