Dennis Kinsey

Benson, NC:  Mr. Dennis Kinsey, age 91, of NC Hwy 242 South, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benson. Funeral Service will be Sunday, October 13, 2019, 3:00PM at Rose and Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson.  Officiating will be Revs. Joe Brown and Tom Wagner. Burial will follow in Young Cemetery outside of Benson.              Dennis was born March 21, 1928 to Luther J. and Roberta Wood Kinsey of Johnston County. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Lindo Kinsey, J. Gold Kinsey, Christine Cruse, Nadine Thornton, Hubert Kinsey, Crayton B. Kinsey and Geraldine Young.               Mr. Kinsey lived his life in the Meadow Community of Johnston County.  He was a charter member of the Meadow Fire Department and served for 15 years.  He worked as a truck driver and textile worker, but his most memorable years were the 30 years he spent at South Johnston High School as the head custodian.  He enjoyed his time at South and was affectionately known by faculty and students as “Smiley.” While at South he was awarded the Honorary Charter for Agriculture Education as part of the FFA.  During these years Mr. Kinsey loved farming – being on a tractor, raising pigs, goats and cows.             Survivors include his companion of 38 years, Coraleene Y. Sloan of Benson; children, L.D. Kinsey (Marlene) of Virginia Beach VA, Andrea Jean Pettitt, and Randy Kinsey (Libby) all of Benson; grandchildren, Brian Kinsey ( Jamie), Dennis Pettitt (Emily), Tonja Thomson (Tom) Leanna George (Jim), Branson Kinsey (Molly) and Colton Kinsey;10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.              In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Meadow Volunteer Fire Department, 7409 NC Hwy 50 South, Benson, NC 27504 or the FFA Chapter of South Johnston High School, 10381 US Hwy 301 South, Four Oaks, NC 27524.              The family will receive friends Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson and other times at the home of Coraleene Sloan, 2668 NC Hwy 242 South, Benson, NC 27504.               Funeral arrangements by Rose and Graham Funeral Home, Benson NC.