On Monday, October 24, 2022, William Bennett “Benny” Chinnis, III passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his blessed family. He was at peace knowing he would spend eternity with Jesus whom he followed, loved and served so well.
Benny was born October 22, 1967 in Mobile, AL. He graduated from First Independent Methodist School and attended the University of South Alabama. Benny was an amazing man who loved God, loved the Bible, loved his family, loved his church and had an incredible work ethic. Working hard to provide for his family, he worked in the steel industry, started a nursery, built homes and mined aggregates to name a few. A “jack of all trades”, he could fix anything. He not only was an entrepreneur but also a man with a huge heart. He used his skills in business but much more in life to help anyone who needed him. He was never just an employer but a friend and mentor to many. He worked hard but he also knew when to stop and enjoy life by fishing, scuba diving, boating, cooking, gardening, watching college football or most importantly, having fun with his family! He lived life to the fullest every day.
From his love of cooking and creating recipes, he opened a small take-out counter in December of 2012. Dubbed the Meat Boss by his family, his restaurant by the same name grew from his countless hours of hard work into a popular BBQ favorite in Mobile and beyond. He wanted exceptional food and over-and-above customer service to be the “Meat Boss way” and he was loved by customers, vendors and all who knew him and his generosity. He considered the restaurant more of a ministry than a business. He never hesitated to provide for those in need and he mentored many young people who considered him a “second dad”. He invested in people and loved them deeply.
Benny is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dara Stabler Chinnis, his daughters Lauren(Grant) Martin and Leah(Alex) Lott and his grandchildren Grady Mark Lott, Mia Melissa Lott and Jonathan Bennett Martin. He is also survived by his great-grandmother, Juanita Lanford, his parents Buzz and Annette Chinnis, his sisters, Jennifer(Jack) Lawley and Mandy(Matt) Trawick, his nieces and nephews Matthew Trawick, Mason Trawick, Jessie Lawley and Abbie Lawley and many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends he loved greatly.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Cottage Hill Baptist Church at 10:30am with visitation beginning at 9am followed by graveside at Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway. The service will be led by Pastor Alan Floyd and Rev. Mike Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cottage Hill Baptist Church or USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.
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