Charles L. Kinsey Sr.

Charles LaVon Kinsey, Sr., affectionately known as LaVon, was born on January 10, 1941, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, to William Andrew Kinsey Sr. and Laura Demps Kinsey. He was raised in Dunbar Village and later in Pleasant City in West Palm Beach. He graduated from Roosevelt Senior High School (Class of 1958), where he distinguished himself as a first-chair cornet player and an active member of both the marching and concert bands. A gifted musician, he was a founding member and tenor vocalist of The Chanteers, performing throughout Florida and New York in major venues, sharing stages with nationally known artists, and later recording under Mercury Records.

On May 14, 1961, he married the love of his life, Rosie Paulk, and together they raised four children. LaVon faithfully served 28 years with Florida Power & Light and an additional 10 years with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office. He co-founded Endtime Harvest United Holiness Church in 2004 alongside his sons. He was inducted into the Roosevelt Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Black Hall of Fame in 2024 for his lasting impact on the community and culture.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Valerie (Bruce) Peters, DeFayne (Peter) deGregory, LaVon Jr., and Shawn (Kimberly) Kinsey; his grandchildren, Vincent, Brenton (Susan) and Brandall Peters; Kristin Washington; Peter III and Diamond deGregory; Paris, Shawn (Maiah), and Amber Kinsey; his great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Kaeden, David and Alexander Peters; Naomi and Peter deGregory IV; Niklaus Salvatore; Tristen and Trenton Washington; Legend, Londyn, and Lennox Williams; and his brothers: Edward (Hazel) Kinsey and Eugene Kinsey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, located at 1340 W 30th St, Riviera Beach, FL 33404, on February 20, 2026, starting at 11:00 am. The Committal Service will take place at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, 5601 Greenwood Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407, on February 20, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm.