Gary Earl Kinney, Sr, 79, peacefully passed away December 3rd in Garland, TX. He was born on March 9, 1946, in Cohoes, New York, to Earl and Adelle Kinney. Gary grew up alongside his younger brother, Bernie, and spent his early years traveling with his parents, living for periods in Thailand and Cyprus—experiences that sparked a lifelong sense of curiosity and resilience.

Gary enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. His service was cut short in 1968 when he suffered a life-altering spinal injury that left him fully paralyzed for a time. Despite the challenges that followed, Gary faced life with remarkable determination, humor, and strength—qualities that defined him to everyone who knew him.

In 1968, he married Susan, with whom he raised two sons, Gary Jr. and David. In 1988 he married Cindy, and they shared many years together. Gary's greatest joy came from his growing family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as "Pop."

Gary's career included more than ten years leading the payroll department at the National Wildlife Federation, followed by a decade as the owner of a Mailboxes, Etc. franchise. Outside of work, he was a man of many passions. He loved classic rock, a cold Coors Light, and a good chili dog. He rebuilt classic Triumph cars from piles of parts into award-winning showpieces. He remained dedicated to Veterans Affairs throughout his life and was a familiar—and often jokingly self-proclaimed #1—regular at the VA Spinal Injury Care centers in both Richmond and Dallas.

Gary relocated to Texas in 2024 to be closer to family, where he continued to live with the same grit and spirit that had defined his entire life.

He was preceded by his parents and brother. He leaves behind sons, Gary Jr. and David, daughters-in-law; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a lifetime of friends touched by his strength, wit, and loyalty.

He will be remembered as the strongest man many ever knew—steady, stubborn, and resilient, much like the broadside of a battleship. He took everything life threw at him and kept going.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be 6:00PM – 8:00PM Friday, December 12, 2025 at Williams Funeral Home. Interment will be in Waterford, NY with his parents and brother.

In lieu of flowers, Gary's family requests that donations be made to Vintage Triumph Register (VTR) to support the storage and operations of the Mike Cook Archives, a cause that was close to Gary's heart.

To donate, please send checks to:
Vintage Triumph Register
c/o Gary Klein
8153 Quarterfield Farms Drive
Severn, MD 21144
(Please annotate: Gary Kinney Memorial Fund)