Kinney Wallace Byrd, the son of the late Arthur Gordon Byrd and Ruth Tilghman Byrd, was born on September 30, 1936 in Dover, North Carolina and passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024 after several years of failing health.

In addition to his parents, Kinney was preceded in death by siblings Lucille Byrd LaPhew, Eleanor Byrd Whitley, Arthur Gordon Byrd, Jr., Joe Byrd, and Elbert Byrd. Also predeceasing him are wives Verona Rouse Thompson, mother of his two daughters, and Susan Imelda Byrd. Kinney is survived by his devoted daughters Kay Byrd Vilushis (Dave) of Raleigh, and Allyson Byrd Bost (Latty) of Wilmington. Kinney was the proud grandfather of Connor Gray Bost and Cameron Tate Bost, both of Wilmington. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. Bella Doe, his miniature schnauzer and the apple of his eye, brought him great joy and comfort in the last years of his life.

Kinney spent most of his working career in sales and won numerous awards for his efforts. He was a doer, getting ahead and saving for a rainy day were always important to him. “My Way” could have easily been written with him in mind as the theme for his life. Kinney loved a good joke and was a fun-loving “guy’s guy”. His favorite activities included golf, cards, and fishing. He had a love for the water and especially for Emerald Isle, NC where he spent many retirement years.

He was a true friend to his buddies and was always there to lend a hand. Kinney enjoyed life and all who knew him will especially miss his free spirit and sense of humor. Understanding the meaning of being saved, the grace and mercy of God, and having hope and joy for eternal life in Heaven, Kinney was baptized in 2017.

The family is most appreciative to Chas Kubasko, a beloved friend of Providence Baptist Church who ministered to Kinney in so many ways. Though his family is saddened by his passing, they were blessed with his presence for many years and are so thankful. In the end, Kinney was humble and reflective of his life. He was observed many times sitting at his bedside in prayer. He was a fighter until the end. All is well. All will be well.

A funeral service to celebrate Kinney’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Pink Hill Funeral Home, 1056 NC-11, Pink Hill. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, prior to the service, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Lee Memorial Park, 1040 Seth Turner Road, Deep Run, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lenoir County SPCA, 2455 Rouse Rd Extension, Kinston NC, the American Heart Association, or American Diabetes Association.