Norm Kinney

POST OAK COMMUNITY…Mr. Norm Kinney (A.C.F., R.F.), a resident of the Post Oak Community, near Ozark, died late Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 81.

Celebration of Life Services, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 20, 2025, in the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Chad Ingle officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Ozark, PO Box 157, Ozark, Alabama 36361 or to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2454 Andrews Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.

Mr. Kinney, son of the late LaVerne and LaVerne Knutsen Kinney, was born in Lancaster, Wisconsin and was raised in Madison, Wisconsin. From a young age, he carried with him a love for the outdoors and a deep sense of service. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before earning his degree in Forestry from the University of Florida in 1971.

For more than five decades, Mr. Kinney dedicated his life to forestry. He began his career with Chartered Foresters in 1971 and worked his way through the ranks as Manager, President, and eventually owner. His work wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. He became a Registered Forester in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida and earned certifications in prescribed burning and pesticide application across several states. He never stopped learning, attending conferences and courses to stay at the forefront of his profession. His leadership and commitment left a lasting mark on the forestry community, where he served in many roles, including Chairman of the Alabama Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters.

Beyond his career, Mr. Kinney gave generously of his time and heart to his community. He was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Ozark for 51 years, joining in 1974. Over the years, he served as President, received the prestigious Hixson Award, and helped launch the Ozark Dale County Brown Bag Program that fed families and brought joy to children during the holidays. Whether it was organizing pancake suppers, helping with the Christmas parade, or supporting the Vivian B. Adams Christmas Shopping Day, he was always there—quietly making a difference.

Faith was also central to his life. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, he served as President, Vice President, and Elder, offering guidance and care to his church family.

Mr. Kinney was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Kinney. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for his kindness, his steady presence, and his lifelong dedication to serving others. His legacy lives on in the forests he cared for, the community he loved, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-six years, Jackie Kinney, Ozark; his son, Shane Kinney (Cindy), Enterprise; his daughter, Stacy Anderson (Kyle), Bertha Community; sister, Karen Fagerberg (Wayne), Barrington, New Hampshire; four grandchildren, Taylor Anderson, Jordan Munoz (Manuel), Thomas Kinney, and Joshua Anderson; special family friend and secretary for many years, Trisha Huckaba, Ozark; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Kiwanis Club of Ozark.