LINWOOD – Charles Lee “Sonny” Kinley, 71, of Old Salisbury Road, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2007, at his home.

Mr. Kinley was born Dec. 20, 1935, in Davidson County to Virgil Kinley and Fallie Byerly Kinley. Sonny retired from the Personnel Department of LFI.

During his high school days, Sonny was a vital part of the basketball and baseball team. He pursued his gift for pitching by playing semi-pro ball with the Lexington Indians Baseball team.

God also gifted Sonny with a beautiful voice which he used to become a radio announcer with WBUY in Lexington. After several years he took a position with Lexington Furniture Industries, first as Quality Director and then Personnel Director for 29 years.

He was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church and also attended Psalm 91. He was active in his church serving as treasurer, choir director and deacon for many years.

A member of Linwood Lions Club, he continued to use his baseball skills by coaching little league and helping young boys develop a love for the sport. He continued to use his voice as the emcee for many gospel singings at Lexington Civic Center.

When health problems began to plague him, he began to lose some of his stamina. His kidneys failed, and he was forced to begin dialysis three times a week. Thus began the last four years of his life.

He was a wonderful father and devoted husband for 51 years. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Today he walks with God, no limp, no pain – peace and joy forever are his. The next time we meet, there will be no goodbyes.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Charles Steven Kinley, on Feb. 19, 1997.

Surviving are wife Dolores Dennis Kinley of the home; sister Betty Michael and husband Barton of Yupon Beach and Lexington; and aunts and uncles.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6-8 tonight at Davidson Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Lakeview Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. David Wooten and the Rev. Max Shoaf. Burial will be at Lakeview Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials: Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net