Willie Kinnard Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Willie Kinnard Jr., a beloved husband, father, G-Pa, and brother, who left this world on August 10, 2026, at the age of 81, after an extended illness.

He was born on October 13, 1944, in Laurel, Mississippi, to the late Willie and Ruby (Jones) Kinnard Sr.

Willie graduated from Tech Memorial High School, where he thrived athletically, in football, baseball, and his true passion—basketball. His enthusiasm for sports would inspire his children to pursue them as well.

Earlier in his career, he served as an orderly at St. Vincent Hospital and worked at Hammermill Paper Company. He later dedicated nearly thirty years to his work at Kaiser Aluminum until his well-earned retirement.

Willie was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan who also loved watching Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James Gillespie and sisters, Willie Jean Moody, Barbara Gillespie, Dora Barnes, and Sara Crosby.

He leaves behind to cherish him in memory, his loving spouse, Cheryl Hicks-Kinnard, and his children: Terance Kinnard and his wife, Debbie; Willie Beason and his wife, Marchelle; Jason Dancey; Arabia Hicks Schnekel; James Hicks; Dean Roberts; Sondra Roberts Moffatt and her husband, DeWitt; Tami Powell; Michael Hicks and his wife, Clarissa; Terrance Hicks and Shanell Dancey; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, Calvin William Kinnard Sr., and his wife, Willa.

Friends are invited to call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 West 10th Street, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Burial in Erie Cemetery.

May his spirit find peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggest memorial contributions be made to the funeral home in care of the family.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com