Kenneth Barry Looney

Kenneth “Kenny” Barry Looney, 60, of Birchleaf, VA, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from complications with lung disease. Born September 9, 1963, in Tazewell County, VA, he was the son of Ruby Charles Looney and the late Charlie Mayford Looney. He was a graduate of Grundy High School.

Kenny married the love of his life, April Church, on January 1, 1988. Theirs was a marriage made in heaven, with both families praying for God to bring that special someone that he had planned for them. Kenny said he knew when he first saw April that he would like her to be his wife. He often spoke of how they loved each other each and every day, through the good times and the hard times. Their marriage also brought together both families in a special way. The families quickly became great friends, spending time together, supporting and praying for each other, and remain close to this day.

Kenny enjoyed spending time with his family. He often worked on projects with his sons, talking and sharing with them while they worked. He was a dearly loved Poppy to his grandkids, and he cherished his time spent with them. He loved sitting on the porch with family, talking, playing games, and laughing. He had a contagious laugh when he got tickled that made everyone around him join in. His many nieces and nephews loved spending time with their Uncle Kenny. He was known for his special blueberry pancakes, and even did highlights for the nieces’ hair.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, hunting ginseng with April, carpentry, four-wheeling, and time at the beach with April and his boys. He and the family particularly enjoyed a trip they took to Colorado, and always dreamed of going back.

Kenny was a hard worker and proud to be a coal miner, working most of his life in the mines. He was also a person of many talents. He could fix anything. He had businesses laying carpet and installing pools. He was very proud of the house remodel that he did with his sons. He had medical training, was a volunteer fire fighter, and worked together with April in the Haysi Rescue Squad, serving as Captain for several years. At the age of 16, he received his electrician certification in Buchanan County, the youngest person at the time to receive that award.

Kenny was generous with his time and resources. He would go out of his way to help anyone. He never knew a stranger. He knew his Bible and often quoted scripture to comfort and encourage others. He believed in the power of prayer.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We rest in the peace of God that passes all understanding, that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, knowing Kenny had given his heart to Jesus and had accepted God’s promise of forgiveness and salvation to all who receive Jesus as Savior. We know that his eternal home is in heaven.

Kenny was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Mayford Looney, maternal grandparents Earl and Pearl Charles, paternal grandparents Willie and Lona Looney, brother Jeffery Looney, and brother-in-law Eddie Shortt.

In addition to his mother, Ruby Charles Looney of Vansant, VA, he is survived by his wife of over 36 years, April Church Looney of Birchleaf, VA, sons Jon (Laken) Looney and Chris Looney, both of Birchleaf, VA, sister Barbara Shortt of Raven, VA, brothers Eddie (Jackie) Looney of Vansant, VA, Kevin (Sheri) Looney of Cedar Bluff, VA, and Matthew (Shonda) Looney of Grundy, VA, sister-in-law Desertrae Looney of Vansant, VA, four grandchildren Isaiah, Bridger, Ralynn, and Caydence, and many special nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Harman Freewill Baptist Church, 2370 Bull Creek Rd, Grundy, VA 24614 on Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00pm. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.haysifuneral.com. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.