Richard Kinney

KINNEY, Richard Martin Age 83, died May 13, 2009. Born in Albany, NY and raised in Laconia, NH. He was the only child of Paul and Margaret Kinney. Preceded in death by son, Richard M. Kinney. Jr. Survived by wife of 57 years, Betty Beaird Kinney and son, Patrick Beaird Kinney and grandson, Boone Dalton Kinney, all of Nashville. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a commission as an infantry officer. While at West Point, he was a star pitcher and captain of the baseball team. He began his illustrious military career at Fort Campbell, KY in the 11th Airborne Division. Other Army tours included two in Korea, one in Vietnam and, with family, one in Germany. He graduated from the Command & General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College. His final tour was on the Secretary of Defense's staff in the Pentagon. He served in the Army 23 years, until retirement in 1969 with the rank of Full Colonel. Upon retirement from military service, he served as Vice President of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce for 21 years as head of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. In the mid and late '80's, he served on the board of the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, including a year as President in 1987. His second retirement came at the end of 1990. He was a member of the Middle TN Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (past President) and West Point Society of Middle Tennessee, and a retired member of the Exchange Club of Nashville and Hillwood Country Club, and head of fund-raising for Tennessee's World War II Memorial. A Memorial service will be held at St. George's Episcopal Church, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009 with visitation a half hour prior to the service. Visitation at St. George's from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2009. Inurnment will be at a later date in the USMA Cemetery at West Point. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. George's Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Road, 37205; the Nashville Humane Association or a charity of one's choice. MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS, (615) 327-1111.