Arthur "Bud" McClure Kinney

Arthur “Bud” McClure Kinney, 82, of Athens, GA, passed away on October 3, 2024.

He was born in Decatur, GA, and is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Benjamin Kinney, his mother, Sarah Walker Kinney, and his brother, John Benjamin Kinney.

In January 1967, Bud joined the United States Army at Fort Benning, GA, and in July 1967, moved to Fort Knox to attend Officer Candidate School. In December 1967, he graduated from OCS and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served in various locations including the 7th Calvary Regiment in Korea, Panama, Saudi Arabia/Kuwait, and retired after 26 years of service as a Lieutenant Colonel.

His notable military achievements include the War Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and induction into the Georgia Veterans Hall of Fame in 2020.

After leaving active military duty, he retired after 23 years as a marketing manager for AT&T/BellSouth. Highlights of his BellSouth career included leading telecommunication efforts for the 1988 National Democratic Convention in Atlanta, GA, and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA.

Bud was an active member of Beech Haven Baptist Church for 40 years, where he served in key leadership roles such as Chairman of the Deacons, teaching Sunday School, and was on the HR Committee. He was working for the church until the afternoon of his passing.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Kathyryn Bridges Kinney; four children, Carriann Eva (Thomas) Toombs of Fairhope, AL, Christopher McClure (Tracy) Kinney of Dublin, GA, Jason Scott Bradberry, and Jarrad Michael Bradberry, both of Athens, GA; grandchildren, Caroline Eva Toombs, Gabriel Christopher Kinney, Mary Everett Toombs, and Chelsea Evelyn Toombs; two sisters, Joanne Bottchem of Grayson, GA, and Betty Myers of Decatur, GA; and several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Pallbearers include Christopher Kinney, Jason Bradberry, Jarrad Bradberry, Thomas Toombs, Gabriel Kinney, and Alex Hogan. Taps will be played by David Hogan. Honorary pallbearers include the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and BHBC Men’s Life Group.

The funeral services with military honors will be on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 4:00 PM at Beech Haven Baptist Church. Visitor viewing will take place for 1 hour before the service, followed by a reception at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beech Haven Baptist Church, 2390 West Broad Street, Athens, GA 30606, Tunnel to Towers Foundation at dogood.t2t.org, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements.