Dr. Joseph Abbott Kinney, 75, of Nichols, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Conway Medical Center following a period of declining health. Born on January 11, 1950, in Florence, South Carolina, he was the son of the late William G. Kinney, Sr. and the late Kathleen Richardson Kinney.

For 48 years, Joe shared a devoted and loving marriage with his wife, Gloria Cook Kinney. Together they built a life marked by faith, family, and service to others. Joe was deeply involved in every aspect of his children's and grandchildren's lives and was unwavering in his support of Gloria in all she pursued. Their partnership was a true witness of commitment and love.

Joe devoted his professional life to education and athletic training, a field in which he made a lasting impact across the state and beyond. He was a proud graduate of the Marion High School Class of 1968, earned his undergraduate degree from Presbyterian College, a master's degree from Appalachian State University, and later earned his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

His early career included service as an athletic trainer with the Carolina Cougars and the Houston Astros Minor League organization. He played a key role in the formation of the athletic training program at Winthrop University and later served as the District Athletic Trainer for Horry County Schools. Joe also taught biology, anatomy & physiology in both Horry and Marion County school districts as well as at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, where he served as an adjunct professor. He also worked as a Teacher Specialist for the South Carolina Department of Education, allowing him to serve at risk schools.

Passionate about elevating his profession, Joe became a founding member of the South Carolina Athletic Trainers Association, also serving a term as the state president.  In 1997, he was honored as the third recipient of the Fred Hoover Excellence in Athletic Training Award, a recognition he accepted with great humility.

A man of strong Catholic faith, Joe was an active member of the Catholic Church of the Resurrection, where he served on the Parish Pastoral Council, and as both a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. His dedication extended to the Knights of Columbus, Father William G. Kinney Jr. Council #14862, where he was a Charter Deputy Grand Knight and served two terms as Grand Knight. He also was a Sir Knight for the Fourth Degree Assembly #2431 of Our Lady Star of the Sea. He and his wife Gloria were jointly honored as the South Carolina State Family of the Year through the Knights of Columbus.

Joe was also proud of his Irish heritage. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, serving as Sentinel for the McGarry Division 1 in Myrtle Beach. Active in his community, he further supported local literacy and education as a member of the Friends of the Green Sea Floyds Library.

An Eagle Scout and lifelong supporter of scouting, Joe served as a counselor at Camp Coker and as Scoutmaster of Troop 815 of the Green Sea Floyds District. His leadership shaped the lives of many young men and reflected the values he lived each day integrity, kindness, and service. Joe found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved fishing off the pier at Cherry Grove, tending his vegetable garden, savoring apple pie with ice cream and a good hot dog, and reading—he always had a book within reach. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable pride and happiness.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Cook Kinney; his son, Joseph William "Joey" Kinney (Amalia) of Schertz, Texas; his daughter, Brandy Catherine Horne (Courtney) of Lake View; and his special daughter, Maria Tiller Nobles of Nichols; six cherished grandchildren, Michaela Catherine Bopst (Billy) of Ash, North Carolina; Jonah Asher Hufford and Noah Eli Hufford of Nichols; Hannah Alexia Joy Kinney, Emily Victoria Kinney, and David William Kinney, all of Texas. He is also survived by his twin brother, Richard W.  Kinney of Dillon; sisters-in-law Sherry Griffis (Steve), Folkston, Georgia, Zandra Cook (Brent), Nichols, South Carolina, Virginia Garris, Nichols, South Carolina, Faye Tucker, Mullins South Carolina, and many numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Father William G. Kinney, Jr., twin sisters, Florence Kinney and Elizabeth Kinney.

A Rosary and visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2025, at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Loris. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Nichols.

Joe lived a life rooted in faith, family, education, and service. His influence will continue in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared so generously. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy endures in the hearts of all who knew him.

If you would like to remember Joe, the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to the Friends of the Green Sea Floyds Library, 5331 Hwy 9, Green Sea, SC 29545.  Ancient Order of Hibernians - Joseph McGarry Division. Father William G. Kinney Jr. Council of the Knights of Columbus, 204 Heritage Rd, Loris, SC 29569.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com

Meares Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kinney family.