Ernest Claude Kinley

 Ernest was a WWII Veteran of the United States Army. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947. He was a lifetime member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church – Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Bessemer City. 

 Ernest retired from JP Stevens in Stanley, after working for 43 years. Ernest was a hard worker and a great provider. He enjoyed gardening and trying to fix anything that he could. He enjoyed fishing and vacationing at the beach. 

 He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Lee Kinley; brothers, Samuel Kinley, Carroll Kinley, Everette Kinley, William Kinley, J.D. Kinley, Marshall Kinley, two infant brothers; and sisters, Ethel Helderman, Viola Cloninger, and Stella Kinley. 

 Survivors include his loving wife, 3 days shy of 76 years, Kathleen McSwain Kinley; son, Boyce Kinley (Jody); daughter, Diane Smith (Darrell); grandchildren, Brenda Kinley Cunningham (Darrin), Brian Smith (Victoria), and Jason Smith (Megan); and great-grandchildren, Chris Cunningham, Cheyenne Carlson (Lars), Johnathan Cunningham, Clyde Smith, Zoey Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Kinley will lie in state at Carpenter Porter Funeral Home from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Friday, October 6, 2023. Graveside services will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Mount Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Robert Austin and Rev. Robert Kinley officiating. Military honors will be given by American Legion Post 100.

In lieu of flowers: Memorials may be made to Mt. Beulah Baptist Church – 5306 Dallas Cherryville Hwy, Bessemer City, NC 28016 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Lincoln County – 900 Dontia Dr., Lincolnton, NC 28092. 

 Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com