Dallas Williamson Kinley Jr., affectionately known as “Butch,” of 13 Karkin Lane, Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, following a lengthy illness. He was 86 years old.
Born on August 15, 1940, in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Butch was the son of the late Dallas Williamson Kinley Sr. and Betty Kinley. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Kinley, who passed away on October 3, 2019, after more than 56 years of marriage, and by his sister, Deanna Taylor.
On May 16, 1963, Butch married the love of his life, Carol. Together they built a home centered on family, faithfulness, and unwavering support for one another. Their marriage was a shining example of devotion and partnership, lasting until Carol’s passing in 2019.
A 1958 graduate of Bald Eagle-Nittany High School, Butch proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy, serving in Naval Air from 1958 through 1964. Following his military service, He went on to enjoy a long and successful career of more than 40 years with Hammermill and International Paper Company before his retirement. After his retirement he fulfilled a life-long dream of a college education and he graduated with honors from Pennsylvania College of Technology and then began a new career as a Securities Sales agent in the local area.
Butch was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and celebrating their accomplishments.
He is survived by his son, Dallas Kinley and wife Jennifer of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter, Amy Cox and husband Dan of Browns Summit, North Carolina; and his daughter-in-law, Pamela Kinley of Middletown, Delaware.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to Erika Gee and husband Max, Megan Kinley, Andrew Cox and wife Catherine, Macy Kinley, and Lauren Durrell and husband Dylan. His grandchildren treasured their time with “Pap Kinley” and will forever remember his love, encouragement, and quick wit.
He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren who delighted in being teased by their “Pappy Butch”: Natalie, Brooklynn, Max, Jordyn, Annie, C.J., and Jaxon.
In addition to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his sister, Betty Moyes and husband Steve of Palm Harbor, Florida; his sister, Ann Poorman of Lakeland, Florida; his brother, Barry Kinley and wife Tina of Norman, Oklahoma; and his dear friend, Diane Frazer of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Butch found great happiness hunting and fishing throughout the mountains, forests, and streams of central Pennsylvania. He was equally passionate about bowling
and was a familiar face at Clinton Lanes, competing in numerous leagues for more than 50 years. Among his proudest accomplishments were the multiple perfect 300 games he rolled during his bowling career. That accomplishment has been brought into question as Butch also claimed to have beaten his son-in-law in golf multiple times over the years which turned out to be not exactly true. It’s long been thought that one of Butch’s college courses was “Creative Accounting” which may have explained his questionable golf scores.
Sports were another lifelong passion. Butch and Carol rarely missed one of their son Dallas’s football games, following him faithfully from youth leagues through his college playing days. Together, they also attended countless local high school and Lock Haven University sporting events over the years, cheering on generations of athletes and enjoying the camaraderie of their community.
Those who knew Butch will remember his strong work ethic, his loyalty to family and friends, his love of the outdoors, his competitive spirit, and his playful sense of humor. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or teasing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a smile, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Butch’s family finds comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with Carol, the love of his life, with whom he shared more than five decades of cherished memories. His legacy of love, dedication, and laughter will live on through his family and all whose lives he touched.
Funeral Services for Dallas Williamson Kinley Jr. will be held on Friday October 2nd 2026, 1p.m. in the Dunnstown United Methodist Church. 59 Church St. Lock Haven, Pa 17745, with Pastor Jack Hocker officiating. Friends and family will be received in the church 1 hour prior to services.
Burial with military honors will follow in the Dunnstown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Dunnstown United Methodist Church, 59 Church St. Lock Haven, Pa 17745.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gedon Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC 121 W. Main St. Lock Haven, Pa 17745.
Thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or http://www.GedonFuneralHomes.com
