Norman Warren Kinsey, age 74, of Aucilla, Fla., went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. He was born on May 24, 1948, to the late Jefferson and Rosa Bell Kinsey at their home in Greenville, Fla. Warren was married to the late June Kinsey on March 12, 1970. They were married for 32 years.
He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Monticello, Fla., where he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized there. Warren was a loving father to three daughters: Tania Kinsey, Katie Mercer and Amy Wheatley. He made sure to teach them life skills to ensure they were capable and independent. They inherited his sense of integrity and strong work ethic and most of all that family is more important than all else.
Warren began his career in the newspaper business with the Tallahassee Democrat and that led him to multiple other newspapers within the southeast. He made the decision to move back to Florida and open a few small businesses, saying, “I wanted to come home because I felt like my family was worth knowing.” He is best known for owning, along with his brother Wayne, the Kwiky Food Mart in Aucilla, where he ran the store and was a well-known fixture to regulars. He was a well-respected member of the community in Monticello, known for his strong integrity, quick wit and humor.
Warren was preceded in death by his wife, June Merritt Kinsey; his father, Jefferson Kinsey; his mother, Rosa Bell Kinsey; and his brother, Quinton Kinsey.
Warren is survived by his children: Tania Kinsey, Katherine “Katie” Mercer and Amy Wheatley; his brothers, Howard Kinsey and Wayne Kinsey; his sister, Lavonne Wynn; his grandchildren: Wesley Burnett, Andrew Burnett, Makayla (Eli) Williams, Skye Wheatley, Reese Zorn, Claire Mercer and Arya Mercer; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and many friends. Services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Monticello, with Pastor Andy Creel officiating. Interment services followed immediately afterward in Emory Cemetery. All arrangements were under the direction of Allen and Allen Funeral Home. The family requested attendees to wear jeans and a flannel shirt for the services.