Clinton E. Kinney

Clinton E. Kinney, 89, of Traverse City and North Hutchinson Island, Florida went peacefully into the presence of his Heavenly Father Tuesday, January 14 at Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach. Clint was born October 7, 1924, to William and Eva (Watkins) Kinney in Cadillac MI. Clint served in the United States 3rd Army in England and France in WWII 1943-1946. He married the former Rhoda Marie Sackett on October 23, 1946.
Clint returned from the Army in 1946 and immediately became manager of the Rennie Oil Company's Pioneer Service of the North a fixture in Traverse City for many years on the corner of State and Union Streets. The Pioneer Service was the first of its kind north of Grand Rapids and included a fleet of AAA wreckers. He purchased the company in April 1971 and the business became known as Kinney's Pioneer Service. Upon his retirement in 1986, the business was purchased by his son, Lon, and is now managed by grandson, Matthew. A highlight for Clint was real estate and land development. Clint was a lifetime member of Cherryland VFW Post 2780.
A man known for his strong work ethic, character, Christian belief and generosity, he will be greatly missed by many.
Clint is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rhoda, his children Cinda (Kit) Simmons, Kay (Bill) Tester, Jeannie (Jerry) Mitchell and Lon (Diane) Kinney, all of Traverse City. He was beloved grandfather to Michael (Jennifer) Tester, Shelley (Jason) VanBrocklin, Tracey (Tim) Steenbergh, Sarah (Aaron) Estelle, Todd (Katie) Tester, Jodi Cole, Aaron (Jana) Simmons, Jessica (Jon) Torbet, Jenney (Todd) Conner and Matthew (Katie) Kinney. He was proud great-grandfather, Papa, to Brooke, Gabrielle and Lauren Tester, Kelby, Kate and Claire VanBrocklin, Jackson, Molley and Lincoln Steenbergh, Tillman, Elonica and Traeton Tester, Judah Cole, Angela, Amanda and Alaina Simmons, Isaac, Noah and Emma Torbet, Boston and Mya Conner, Myles and Chase Kinney, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Clint was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gilbert Kinney, and niece, Mary Lou Thurman.
Visitation for family and friends will take place at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Monday, January 20, 1:00-3:00 PM. Services will follow immediately at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Clint's name to either the Webber Heart Center or the Cowell Cancer Center in care of Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation 1150 Medical Center Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 ( www.munsonhealthcare.org/foundation ) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105 ( www.stjude.org ).
Please share your memories of Clint with his family by way of the online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.