W. C. Kinard

This obituary is posted as a courtesy to the Kinard family and Parker-Bramlett Funeral Home.

A Life Well Lived

Walter Charlie (W.C.) Kinard, faithful husband, loving father, and beloved grandfather, passed away May 9, 2025, at his home in Pelham, Georgia surrounded by his family. While his life on earth has ended, his constant love, unwavering support, and steadfast commitment will forever be felt in the hearts of his family and friends whom he cherished.

W.C. was born in Vienna, Georgia on September 29, 1938, to Barney Edward and Irene Turner Kinard. There he met the love of his life, Marjorie Bowen, whom he married in 1958. They moved their young family to Pelham in 1971for W.C. to become an Area Manager with Georgia Power Company.

W.C. embodied the company’s motto, “A Citizen Where We Serve,” throughout his exemplary 38-year career with the company. Among his many civic roles in the town he loved was his membership at Pelham Rotary Club, where he maintained years of perfect attendance and served as Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman of International Student Weekend, and President. He also had the prestigious honor of being named a “Paul Harris Fellow.” He was a long-time member and served as Chairman of Pelham’s Economic Development Committee and participated in a delegation to Japan to foster and promote economic development in Southwest Georgia. He was even named “Citizen of the Year.” However, perhaps the pinnacle of his civic involvement was being elected Mayor of Pelham in 1988.

As a faithful member at Hand Memorial United Methodist Church, he served in various leadership capacities including Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee, and a member of the Building Committee.

Throughout his busy career, W.C. made time to enjoy hobbies that centered around his love of nature and the outdoors. He found peace and solitude in his garden. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and had the stories—and the mounts—to prove it. He also greatly enjoyed golf and encouraging friendly competition among anyone who played with him. Perhaps what he enjoyed most about any hobby was the sportsmanship and camaraderie among friends.

W.C. is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marjorie Bowen Kinard, and their three loving daughters: Jan Kinard McKenzie (Johnny), Tammie Kinard Bonanni (Randy), and Connie Kinard Riddle (John); seven grandchildren: John McKenzie (Sharon), Charlie McKenzie Koncul (Brian), Blake Bonanni (Elizabeth), Allison Bonanni Gaskins (Hunter), Hux Riddle (Katherine), Bowen Riddle (Sarah Catherine), and Ki Riddle; and six great grandchildren: Flint McKenzie, Macie McKenzie, McKenzie Koncul, Molly Koncul, Gray Gaskins, Isabella Bonanni, and Millie Riddle (due in August).He is also survived by three of his ten siblings: John Thomas Kinard of Macon, Barney Lee Kinard of Vienna, and Ann Kinard Nutt of Moultrie. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by siblings Mary Francis Kinard Bailey, Marie Kinard Nelson, Pauline Kinard Sims, James Kinard, Frank Kinard, Eugene Kinard, and Virgil Kinard. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who are too numerous to count.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at Hand Memorial United Methodist Church (266 Hand Avenue, West, Pelham) with visitation at 9:30am followed by the service at 11am. A graveside service will be held at 3pm at Vienna City Cemetery (409 E. Woodward Street, Vienna).

Active pallbearers include his five grandsons: Blake Bonanni, John E. McKenzie, III, Hux Riddle, Bowen Riddle, and Ki Riddle along with his two grandsons-in-law: Hunter Gaskins and Brian Koncul. Honorary pallbearers are Duwayne Davis, Jerry Kennedy, Nealie McCormick, Ray McKemie, Ronnie Morrell, Chester Shellnut, Cullis Taylor, and Johnny Taylor. Parker Bramlett Funeral Home is in charge of the services.

To honor his memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Hand Memorial United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 424, Pelham, Georgia 31779) where he faithfully worshiped and served.