William Patterson Kenney

William P. Kenney, born September 13, 1932, in San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023, at the age of 91. He was the youngest of Dr. Nat Mitchell Kenney and Mary Kirk Patterson’s six children.

In his youth, William, affectionately known as Will, Uncle Will, and Uncle Bill to his assorted nieces and nephews, demonstrated his mettle at an early age. When he was 11, tired of the peeling paint on his family’s home, he singlehandedly repainted the entire house. Such productivity extended to other projects. For instance, he constructed a new kitchen in knotty pine for his parent’s home in the 50’s or 60’s. These instances only scratch the surface of his helpful nature.

Will was also a vigorous advocate for a quality education, demonstrating a passion for learning through his voracious reading habits. One summer, as testament to his love for books, he treated his nieces to weekly visits to the bookstore every Sunday, along with a trip to McDonald’s. William’s own educational journey included graduating from Jefferson High School in 1950, receiving a Bachelors & Masters from his cherished alma mater, Trinity University. His quest for knowledge led him to Galveston Medical School and Leiden Medical University in Holland, where he completed his medical studies. Upon his return to Texas in the late 60’s, armed with an appreciation for Dutch pancakes and the singularly European ability to peel an orange with a knife, he cheerfully assumed the care of his father, and particularly his mother, for many years.

A true Texan through and through, he held a special affection for San Antonio, his home for much of his life. One of his favorite pastimes was visiting the library at Trinity, where he immersed himself in reading, in later times with the assistance of a magnifying glass until his eyesight gave out. He also enjoyed the enchiladas at La Fonda, and he was an active member of Travis Park Methodist Church.

William was deeply appreciated for his acts of service, particularly when it came to his family, who he cherished above all else. He was a much-loved great-uncle who never failed to entertain the kids, whether he was playing cards, imitating Donald Duck, feeding them banana drinks and candy, or allowing a mountain of Bionicles to accumulate under his bed for safekeeping. He enjoyed big family dinners, and setting a proper table was important to him. We will always remember him as one of the biggest supporters of the annual “Christmas cake” – a tradition loved by some and begrudged by others, yet faithfully upheld each and every year. Somehow, he always found the lady fingers for it. In the spirit of giving back, we allowed ourselves to be roped into the meticulous task of chopping candied cherries and pecans to the precise size and quantity required for this “delicacy.” He was also the baker of the family favorite “Scotch cake,” and felt strongly that every Sunday should include a sundae with hot Hershey’s chocolate and pecans. No one appreciated a good meal more, but his healthy habits allowed him to live a long and fulfilling life.

Preceded in death by his parents, siblings Nat Kenney Jr., John W. Kenney, Patsy Griffith Goad, and Margaret K. Hopkins, brother-in-law Celwyn Hopkins Sr., and nephews Celwyn Hopkins Jr. and Nat Mitchell Kenney III. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Kenney, sister-in-law Maxine Kenney, and his nieces and nephews including John Graham and Bonnie Griffith, Elaine Burr, Judith Kenney, George Kenney, Mary Hopkins, Helen Mell, Ann Hopkins, Cindy and Christian Schleyer, and Wes Kenney. He was also a much loved great-uncle of 11.

The family thanks the kind nurses and staff at Cibolo Memory Care, Hummingbird Assisted Living and Memory Care, Visiting Angels, and All Seasons Hospice for your loving care and support of William and the family as well as Chaplin Lance Abate.

GRAVESIDE SERVICEFRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 20231:00 P.M.SAN JOSE BURIAL PARK8235 MISSION ROADSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78214View Service Here