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CHARLES KINNUCAN Obituary

CHARLES ANTHONY KINNUCAN Charles Anthony Kinnucan died of a brain tumor surrounded by his family and friends, on Friday July 1, 2011. Charlie, as he was called by everyone, was 50 years of age. Charlie was a graduate in Economics from Auburn University. He founded Kinnucan's, an outdoor, adventure and college life retail chain with stores in Auburn, Opelika, Columbus, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Athens, Georgia, Oxford, Mississippi, and Collierville, Tennessee. Charlie believed that if you "do what you love, the money will follow". Charlie's enterprises began as an athletic shoe store called "On Your Feet", and through his efforts grew into the multi store empire. In the year 2000, Charlie received the "Young Businessman of the Year" award from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Eagle Award. Charlie was born Lake Forest, Illinois on August 1, 1960. He was an avid athlete. His athletic career began while in grade school at Deer Path Junior High in Lake Forest, Illinois where he was on the boxing team and won the Jr. weight Golden Glove award. When his knees began bothering him from his aerobic running, he began bicycling. From there, Charlie cycled for distances, and began cycling professionally with the athletic store Kiddle's as his sponsor. Charlie then came to Alabama to train to become a Category One cyclist. He continued his love for cycling and taught a well known cycling class at Kaz Fitness Center and then Moores Mill Fitness Center for many years. Charlie ran in many local races and has completed over 10 marathons, qualifying for Boston and the competed in several triathalons qualifying for the Iron Man in Hawaii . Through his store, Charlie sponsored the "Best Dam Ride in Alabama" , a forty-mile bicycle ride over Martin and Tallassee Dams. Charlie was always an adventurer. At 19 years of age, he accompanied his brother Johnny to Alaska and did helicopter lumberjacking. While in Alaska, Charlie received the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Award for pulling a lifeless man from his wrecked car and resuscitating him. Charlie was a horseman who enjoyed riding in this area with his friend Jorge Gomez, fox-hunting with Johnny Cleveland and many times white-water rafted the Ocoee River with family. In 2007, he climbed to the top of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. Charlie's quieter side involved his family. His home was always open to his twelve brothers and sisters, his wife's eleven siblings, and dozens of friends who quickly became as family. The Kinnucan home was the center of impromptu gatherings, the most delightful of which was the annual Fourth of July gathering, complete with Charlie's fireworks display. Charlie was an avid reader, his favorite subjects being biographies of the Founding Fathers, and other historic figures. Charlie is survived by his wife of 25 years, Libby, their children Trent, Max , Maggie and Teddy, and his siblings, Paul (Fran) Kinnucan, Bob (Nancy Kaplan) Kinnucan, Henry (Maria) Kinnucan, Larry Kinnucan, Mary Anne Kinnucan, Jim Kinnucan, John (Catherine) Kinnucan, Ginny (Clifford) Anderson, Joe Kinnucan, Kenny (Lisa) Kinnucan and Jean Kinnucan, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anita Kinnucan and sister Patty Lou Kinnucan. A memorial service will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on August 1, 2011 at a time to be announced. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Opelika-Auburn News on Jul. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES KINNUCAN

Not sure what to say?





Peter Hurst

June 27, 2020

We've traveled a long way since Deerpath JH. Journey well!

Pelagie Teta

July 27, 2011

Dear Family:
Condolences. May you find comfort in God's Love and all the angels surrounding you. We will miss Charlie. He opened doors to anyone who needed his attention.

Pelagie (Honore's Mom)
Atlanta, Ga

Diane Barr

July 16, 2011

Libby my deepest sympathy to your whole family and all the many friends! Charlie had so many! His presence will be surely missed.
May all your memories help guide you through your grief and may you find comfort with each other! My prayers are with you all!

July 9, 2011

Charlie, I can't begin to say what an amazing person you turned out to be. Not only a true inspiration to us all but a true Hero and someone we all could look up to. Your presence will be surely missed. I have been honored to have known you. Be at peace and our prayers will be with you and your family. Pete Hurst Kenosha, Wi

Andrea Dolan

July 9, 2011

My deepest sympathy to your whole family and all the many friends! Charlie had so many! May all your memories help guide you through your grief and may you find comfort with each other!
Many prayers always, Andrea M. Dolan

Lisa Babat

July 6, 2011

We miss Chaz and hope he is at peace. We cherish the times we were able to spend together. Charlie a man of his words & inspirational to all. Our love to the family!

greg fischer

July 6, 2011

Thoughts are with you Libby and family. Charlie's spirit touched many people..I am blessed to have met him and shared many laughs and memories that will be cherished. God Bless

Vicki Kennedy

July 6, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Kinnucan family. I met Charlie in 7th grade with Jamie OConner at a Rec Dance in Lake Forest. I had the pleasure to catch up with him last year through Facebook. I will remember his smile for ever.

Steve and Melanie Brown

July 6, 2011

Dear Libby and Family:

We were so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda & John (Babat) Griffin

July 6, 2011

Our thoughts are with the whole Kinnucan family during this difficult time. Such a sad loss. Charlie was one-of-a kind; we will always remember him fondly.

John Hester

July 6, 2011

My condolences to the Kinnucan family. Charlie was a joy to do business with. You could always count on his fairness and his word. He will be missed.

Jennifer Marko

July 5, 2011

I worked at Kinnucan's when I was at Auburn. It was the only store at that time, and I am so proud of what Charlie grew it into. I remember how he loved his family and his work, and what a great athlete he was. My deepest sympathy to Libby and the children. You are in my prayers.

Larry Dunn

July 5, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Kinnucan family. I went to school with Charlie in Lake Forest. I had not seen him in many years. We always had a good time and many laughs and we would seem to find a little bit of trouble to keep everyone on their toes. Charlie you will be missed!

Heidi Lazinski

July 5, 2011

Libby and family,
Just learned of your loss. We send our prayers and thoughts to you all. God be with you.

Bill Garrels

July 5, 2011

The second time I saw Charlie was at our 10 year HS Reunion. He inspired me to be a better person in my life, take on bigger and more challenging races. When FaceBook came around, I always looked forward to his positive words about life. My deepest and heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Bill and Louise Garrels- Boulder CO

Laura McClellan

July 5, 2011

Sending you all my prayers and love to your family at this time. God bless you all

William & Patsy Boyd Parker

July 5, 2011

Libby and Family,
Our prayers are with each of you. Charlie will remain in your hearts and memories. He will live in the faces of your children and in the many things he loved and shared with each of you. God bless you today and always. Sincerely,

Susan Anderson

July 4, 2011

My heartfelt thoughts go out to you at this time of loss. Find peace in the loving memories you have and will share.

July 4, 2011

I first met Charlie as a student in my cell biology course about 30 years ago. Since then I would see Charlie 3-4 times per year, first at the municipal swimming pool with his young family, and later at his Auburn store. Always he greeted me enthusiastically, asked about my family, about my running or other activities. I will miss Charlie very much. I Knew him as a devoted family man, an outstanding athlete and business person, and a caring and genuine friend. My heart goes out to his family. Jim Bradley

Biff Thiele

July 4, 2011

What an incredible life you have led and shared with so many. You will be missed. My heart goes out to your entire family and friends.

July 3, 2011

Libby, You and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy Thomas Richards

JoAnn Larson Whalen

July 3, 2011

I went to high school with Charlie and will always remember his endless energy and his beautiful smile. Deepest sympathy to the Kinnucan family. Rest in peace Charlie.

July 3, 2011

Libby, you and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. You were surely blessed to share your life with such an amazing man. Thinking of you now and in the months that follow.

Eric Boulton

July 3, 2011

My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences ! To The Whole Kinnucan Family For Your Lose !..." Ride ! High ! In Your Saddle Charlie ! and May You Rest In Peace ! My Friend ! "...Love Ya !

July 3, 2011

Libby and family, my deepest sympathy and prayer for you during this time. You are all loved and I know God is holding you in His hands right now, let him and rest on that.
Lauri Gullage Tickal

Eric Boulton

July 3, 2011

My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences To The Whole Kinnucan Family For Your Lose !....." Ride ! High ! In Your Saddle Charlie ! and May You Rest In Peace ! My Friend ! "...Love Ya !

FRANCES ALLEN

July 3, 2011

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
FRANCES ALLEN CNA BETHANY HOUSE

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