William H. Kinder, Jr.

Bishopville, SC

     Mr. William H. Kinder, Jr., 87, husband of Louise Kennedy Kinder, died Sunday, October 25th, 2026, while at home.

     Born April 22nd, 1939, in the Lee County community of Ashwood, he was the son of the late William H. Kinder, Sr. and Florrie Mae Turbeville Kinder.

     After graduating from Ashwood-Central High School in 1957, he joined the U.S. Air Force on July 16th, 1957. He had assignments to Myrle Beach AFB, Hickman AFB, Hawaii, MacDill AFB, Florida, and a year in Vietnam. He remained on active duty for 30 years, traveling all over the world. He received several awards and commendations during his 30 years including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with Palm. He retired with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in July of 1987.

     After retiring from active duty, his job was converted to Civil Service, and he stayed in the same job for 17 more years. He was selected as the U.S. Air Force Medical Readiness Manager of the year for 1988, 1992, and 1996; 20th Fighter Wing Civilian of the year for 2002; 20th Medical Group Civilian of the year for 1988, 1992, and 1996. He retired in July 2005 for a total of 47 years with the Air Force. He received the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award upon retirement from Civil Service.

     Survivors in addition to his wife of 62 years include two children, William H. (Tammy) Kinder and Ann L. (Tom) Dean; four grandchildren: Dorothy Ann (Phillip) Salas, Tommy Dean, Amanda Kinder, and Laura (E.J.) Rubison.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Sylvia Rast Langford and Flourie Ann Hodge.

     The family would like to give a special thanks to the Amedisys Hospice Staff – Brittany Guldon, Terry Kalb, and Andrea Harvin.

     Family and friends will gather at 12 Noon on Thursday, October 29th, 2026, from Fort Jackson National Cemetery to honor his life. Full Military Honors will be rendered by Joint Base Lindsay Graham Honor Guard. Friends are welcomed to pay their respects to Mr. Kinder on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026, from 12 Noon until 2 PM at Norton Funeral Home.

     Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or the charity of one’s choice.

     Norton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be with the Kinder family during this time.