"Three years Pop. Can hardly believe I haven't heard 'Well that's what I mean' in 3 years. I miss you every day and hope that you are always the smartest man in the room, as well as the most humble and generous, just as you were down here "
In loving memory of
Bill J. Kinsley, Sr.
December 13, 2017
Bill J. Kinsley, Sr., 69, son of the late Earl Arlington Kinsley and Catherine (nee Uphold) Kinsley Bristol, passed away on Wednesday, December 13th surrounded by family at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg.
Born May 7, 1948 in Morgantown, WV, Bill was a graduate of Morgantown High School and a member of the Boilermakers Union 154 for many years
He joined the Army during the Vietnam War and served his country through two tours. He remained involved with the 282nd Assault Helicopter Unit (Black Cats) and thanks to the Dream Foundation he was able to go on a final Huey helicopter ride around Morgantown in August. In true Wild Bill fashion, he spent the ride with one arm out the window and coolly giving direction to the pilot.
A generous and laid back soul, in the summer he could usually be found at Pop-a-Top, National Joes, or down at the river with his many friends, including Mickey Lanham and family. Come winter, he migrated south to his beloved Sandpiper Beacon Inn and Tiki bar in Panama City Beach, where he enjoyed cornhole and hanging out with the other snowbirds watching Mountaineer sports.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters Ruby Moore, Wanda Buck, and Mary Bosley; as well as brothers Fred and Bob Kinsley,and his former spouse, Pat Kinsley.
He is survived by his daughters Marie Mayfield, Colleen (Shawn) Tuttle, and Kay (Keith) Mullennex; and son BJ (Becky) Kinsley; brothers John (Delores) and Jim (Sharon) Kinsley; sisters-in-law Carol Kinsley and Ellen Kinsley; brother-in-law Dave Buck; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He shared his love of all things NASA-related with his grandchildren Haley, Jacob, Morgan, Kylie, Tanner, Paige, Alli, and Piper.
Friends may join the family to honor Bills life and legacy at Smith Funeral Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., on Monday, December 18th from 2:00-4:30 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM and again on Tuesday, December 19th from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dan Meadows officiating. Bill will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors accorded at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dreams for Veterans through the Dream Foundation.
To send the family your personal condolences and other symbolic gestures, please visit www.smithfcc.com.
Tributes
"With my deepest condolences. May the entire Kinsley family find peace through prayer and time."
" A Dignity in White Pedestal Arrangement was ordered on December 18, 2017 "
"sorry for your loss"
" A Pedestal Arrangement was sent on December 17, 2017 Our deepest sympathy, Jeff, Season and Pepper "
"Thank you. That means a lot."
" A Spathiphyllum was ordered on December 16, 2017 "
"B.J. Girls and families My thoughts and prayers are with you all"
" A Sentimental Thoughts was ordered on December 15, 2017 "
" A Mountain Meadow Pedestal Arrangement was ordered on December 15, 2017 "