William Smyly Kinard, Sr., formerly of Florence, SC, passed away peacefully at his Greenville, SC, home on Saturday, February 2, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in 1934 in Springfield, SC, he was the second son of John Quincy and Margaret Blocker Kinard. A two sport All-State athlete in high school, he majored in Chemistry at Clemson University, where he was named to Who’s Who among college students. After graduating in 1956, he went on to earn his masters degree and then began work as a research scientist for the Clemson University Extension Service in Florence, SC, for six years before accepting a position teaching Chemistry and Physics at Florence-Darlington Technical College for the next 34 years. He came from a long line of educators and truly had the heart of a teacher, doing everything he could to help his students succeed. After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife of 59 years, Barbara. They called Florence, SC, their home for over 50 years, where they raised their family and were very involved in the community, before relocating to Greenville, SC, in their later years to be closer to their children. A history buff, he loved people and never met a stranger. He loved coaching youth basketball and enjoyed watching his Clemson Tigers, but his true love was his family, which meant everything to him. He belonged to the Central United Methodist Church Men’s Group in Florence, SC, was an active member of the Florence Sertoma Club for over 35 years, as well as the Pee Dee Technical Society.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Sawyer Kinard; son, William Smyly Kinard, Jr. (Beverly) of Greer, SC; daughters, Jean Kinard Goldman (Blake) of Greer, SC, and Ann Kinard Saunders (Dave) of Cumming, GA; granddaughters: Shawn Kinard, Morgan Goldman, and Kara and Lauren Saunders; brother, Quincy Kinard (Margaret) of Salley, SC; and niece, Lou Kinard of Charlotte, NC.
Online condolences may be left at www.mackeymortuary.com.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Mackey Funerals and Cremations, 311 Century Dr., Greenville, SC 29607, with visitation from 1:30 – 2:30 PM prior. A private burial will follow at Graceland East Memorial Park. The family would like to thank Interim Healthcare as well as Jackie, Janet, Beth, and Brenda, who took care of him these last six years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Central United Methodist Church in Florence, SC; or to the Clemson University Class of 1956 Academic Success Center. Arrangements by Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive.
