Isaiah Kinsey, Sr.

Isaiah Kinsey, Sr. age 89 of Lincoln Heights, Ohio departed this life on Friday, September 9, 2022. He was born on October 8, 1932 in Clay County, Georgia to the late John Henry and Julia Mae Tucker Kinsey. Growing up in Quitman County, Georgia amongst his 10 siblings. He would work in the Sawmills from 1951-1953.

Isaiah, Sr. would leave his family and enlist in the United States Army, reporting for boot camp on July 10, 1953 in Ft. Jackson, SC. As a PFC, he would receive the National Defense Service Medal. He would receive an Honorable Discharge from the Military on January 27, 1954.

Upon leaving the Service, he would move to Lincoln Heights, Ohio to live with his Aunt Callie White. He would later meet the love of his life, Carrie Lee Campbell, which they would marry April 16, 1955. They would raise seven children, Josephine, Christina (Carl), Katherine, Marcella, Isaiah, Jr. (Angela), Ruby (Mike), and John (Shante).

Isaiah, Sr., a man of valor with multiple skill sets, believed in taking care of his family by all means necessary. Working for Tremble Masonry in 1961 as a mud man alongside his Supervisor cousin, John Pepper. He would work at Beech Grove Cemetery as a burial ground custodian with his best friend, Sherman Morris, (deceased). He worked several years for Golden Tee Golf Course.

Isaiah, Sr.'s career was one that allowed him to work in transportation as a taxi-cab driver for various cab companies in Lincoln Heights. Those being Larkin Cabs, Ellis Cabs, Watts and S&S Cab Services. He would later work at Cincinnati Drum Service in Reading, Ohio where he would retire from.

Isaiah, Sr. accepted Christ as his personal savior and joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist in Lincoln Heights, Ohio where he was a devoted member for over 20 plus years. He was a faithful Deacon, Trustee, Musician, and Custodian until his untimely death.

Isaiah, Sr. enjoyed Fishing, Bowling, Golf, Family Reunions and Traveling. He enjoyed singing and playing his electric guitar. He would play his guitar at all family events and various churches, as well. A member of the Valley Male Chorus for over 10 years as a vocalist and musician. He would visit yearly at his childhood church, Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church, August Church Revival located on the Clay County, Georgia line.

Isaiah, Sr. was known for his signature slogan, "Chicken ain't Nothing but a Bird". Known by his children as "Kinsey Man" and "Mr. Fix It", but always teaching his children to be independent and steering them for good work ethics. He gave all his children nicknames, such as Little Lotta, Moon Struck, Rine, Big Chief, Jewgy, Batman, Boss Man and then would give nicknames to grandkids, Fat Jaws, Moe Higgin, Hollering Jack, Bird Legs, Shorty, Jaws, Peanut, along with Gal and Butta. He was a jokester and always straight to the point.

He was preceded in death by John Henry (father) and Julia Mae (mother); siblings, Andrew, John H., Jr., Walter, Julia McAllister and Callie Gilbert; grandchildren, Donte and Jazmine; great-grandson, Ontario; nephews, Alex Thomas, Edward Kinsey, and Allen McAllister; brother-in-law, Willie Campbell; and sister-in-law, Viola Williams.

Isaiah Kinsey, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories his loyal, devoted wife of 68 years, Carrie L. Kinsey; two sons, Isaiah, Jr., (Angela) Kinsey and John (Shante) Kinsey; five daughters, Josephine Thomas, Christina (Carl) Leonard, Katherine Hinton, Marcella Kinsey, Ruby (Mike) Mumphrey; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; devoted brother, Nehemiah (Betty) Kinsey of Manhattan, NY; sisters, Sonya Kinsey, Ester Jolly, Hester Kinsey all of Bronx, NY; sisters-in-law, Hilda Kinsey of New Jersey, Alice Johnson and Hattie Massey both of Greenville, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 from 10 am until the Funeral Service at 11:30 am, all at Olivet Baptist Church, 6838 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236. Military honors and interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.