Blackville - Service of Commendation In Loving Memory of Mr. Willie Lee Kinard, 75, of 445 Oak Boulevard was held Monday, January 9, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Lees, S.C.  Committal, benediction and interment was conducted in Hope Memorial Park, Barnwell. Pastor Freddie Wright Sr. and Pastor Floyd Hughes Sr. officiated.
Washington’s Funeral Home of Hampton was entrusted with the administration of final arrangements.
On Thursday morning, January 5, 2012, one of God’s children slept away to humble submission as Willie Lee Kinard went home to rest. Mr. Kinard was the only son born April 7, 1936 to the late Willie Kinard and the late Murdis Donaldson Kinard.
Mr. Kinard joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church at an early age and remained a faithful member for his entire life.  
“Bokum” as he was fondly called by his friends and loved ones, attended Blackville Public Schools in Blackville, S.C.  Mr. Kinard worked for more than 10 years in Florida where he received specialized training as an automobile mechanic.  He also worked in agriculture there. In the early 1960’s Mr. Kinard moved to New York where he was employed as a Sanitation Engineer for more than 15 years. His favorite past-times were driving around with his best friend and brother-in-law, Emanuel Raysor, fixing cars, watching a good ol’ western, and visiting with friends to reminisce of old times.
In 1968 he married his hometown sweetheart, Elois Raysor, and to this marriage two beautiful children were born. Elois and Willie remained a blissful pair until Elois’ death parted them in 2008.
Left to cherish his memory: son, John Kinard of Brooklyn, N.Y.; daughters Karen Kinard  of Blackville and Theresa Harley of Aiken; grandchildren: Jordan Kinard, Jalilah Kinard, Joshua Kinard, Anthony Harley, and Keisha Harley; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Bokum was a hard worker and a dedicated husband and father. He never complained, always encouraged others and looked for the positive in every situation. His goals in life were to know the Lord;  be a man his family could be proud of and get back to the love of his life, Lois. We will miss him.
The People-Sentinel 01/11/12