Gabriel Bernard Kinney of Hanceville, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at the age of 101.
Gabe was born on February 2, 1921, to Agnes and Daniel Kinney. He was one of twelve children. After graduating from Hanceville High School, Gabe worked for U.S. Steel in Birmingham. He joined the United States Army in November of 1942 where he served with honor and distinction first with F Company, 35th Regiment, 25th Infantry in the South Pacific and then in Burma with the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, which became known as Merrill’s Marauders. After his service, Gabe returned to U.S. Steel as an electrical engineer.
Gabe married Elena Susie Kinney and they raised six children, Tommy, Carol, Patricia, Richard, Frances and Phillip. The family resided in Birmingham before eventually returning to Hanceville, Alabama.
Gabriel was predeceased by his parents, his son, Tommy and his daughter, Frances. He is survived by his loving wife of 77 years, Elena; and his children, Patricia Nelson, Carol Crawford (Fred), Richard Kinney (Connie), and Phillip Kinney (Alison). He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, Kimberly Shoop (Mike), Jason Nelson (Ann), Drew Nelson (Kam), Tanya Driver (Jason), Jennifer Lee Oliver (Darby), Katie Kinney, Crystal Lee (Scott), Kelli Kinney, Laura Weaver (Shane), Gabbi Presley (Preston), Maggie Kinney, Kelsi-Beth Kinney; and by seventeen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
In 2022, Merrill’s Marauders were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, for their actions in Burma. Gabe was a 2022 Inductee into the Ranger Hall of Fame. The Flora-Bama Army Ranger Base Kinney is named in his honor.
Services will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 2p.m., with visitation prior at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the World War II Foundation (www.wwiifoundation.org), the U.S. Rangers Association (www.ranger.org), or the charity of your choice. Interment will be held at a later date at the National Veterans Cemetery in Montevallo.
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Such an honor to have had the privilege to meet Gabe and his family. What a remarkable life he lived! Thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
With the deepest honor I have the distinct privilege to serve as the Chaplain for the Rangers at Ranger Base Kinney. I cherish the visit I had with Gabe and Elena just a few weeks ago in their home when I took Gabe a cap with the original Ranger patch that Merrill’s Marauders wore. It was a good visit and I prayed with them before I left. My life is enriched just for knowing this great American and his dear wife.
While my association with “Gabe” is a brief period of time, he has given me a tremendous gift of fellowship and being a very humble person, May the lord, watch over you and always have a place in heaven next to GOD.. God truly blessed me with being able be your friend
RANGER Gabe you are a true Ranger and a true leader.
“RANGERS LEAD THE WAY”
It was an honor to have met Gabe in GA for the documentary “They Volunteered for This. The survival of so many of the Marauders into their 90s and beyond is a tribute to these heroic individuals. Gabe was truly an example of the greatest generation. GOD bless and keep his family safe in this time of remembrance.🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸
It has been one of the greatest honors in my life to have met Gabe and his wonderful family at the FB Ranger Base Gabe Kinney. You will be missed Brother.
RLTW
I did not have the opportunity to meet this fine American Patriot but i am the beneficiary of his valor. Ginger and I sent our sincere condolences to Carol and her family and brother Fred Crawford and pray that the peace, mercy and comfort of the Holy Spirit will be with you all.
Heavenly Father, please grant strength to this family of believers, that only You can provide, to endure the days and weeks ahead, until by the Power of Your Grace, their pain is transformed from grief to wonderful memories that will last forever. Amen. Please take some solace in the Blessed Assurance that he is safe and secure in the Loving Arms of our Savior, free from worry or pain. You will see him again in Paradise.
Truly a man of the greatest generation…
RLTW