Craig Vorhees Kinney – respected and beloved husband, father and brother, Methodist pastor, Goodwill executive, WW II veteran, scholar, carpenter, hiker, accomplished musician and audiophile, ballroom dancer, hospice counselor, and lover of life – passed from this earth on April 29, 2017 at age 90.

A devoted father with a strong sense of integrity as well as an ever-present sense of mirth, Craig was the head of the extended Kinney family. Born in Nelsonville, Ohio, Craig was a Signalman in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. He and his sweetheart Eleanor married, graduated from Ohio State University, and raised three children in Logan, Ohio where Craig worked with Cole Motor Sales.

After experiencing a calling to the ministry, Craig enrolled in the Methodist Theological Seminary where he received his divinity degree, and was appointed as a deacon and elder in the church. Craig was a highly admired pastor of several congregations before deciding on a role “of best application in society.”

He completed additional educational training and took on the position of Executive Director, Goodwill Industries, South Central Wisconsin. Under his nearly 20-year leadership, Goodwill became a much greater asset to the community. The Craig Kinney Affordable Housing Community in Madison, Wisc. is named in his honor.

Craig and Eleanor moved to Brevard, N.C. in the early 1990s, and to Tryon Estates in Columbus, N.C. in 2005. Craig enjoyed an active retirement as a consultant for Goodwill, a member of neighborhood and civic committees, church deacon, hospice counselor, and accomplished musician. He cared tenderly and with admirable devotion for Eleanor in her final years.

In 2010 he married Ninalee Haynie. Beloved by family, friends, caregivers and staff, Craig will be remembered for his many talents, his giving and helping nature (including donating his body to science), and his infectious happiness. Craig is survived by wife Ninalee, children Melissa, Julia, and Craig, brothers Charles and Ralph, granddaughters Stacy, Debbie, and Laura, and great-granddaughter Abby. A good man has passed, let us rejoice in a life well-lived.

Submitted by Julia Kinney