Donnie Kinard, Jr.

Mr. Donald "Donnie" Timothy Kinard, Jr., 45, resident of Morning Dew Lane in Varnville, passed away Saturday evening, April 4, 2026.

Born May 14, 1980, in the Hampton Hospital in Varnville, Donnie is the son of Ruth Ann Smith Schaffer and the late Donald Timothy Kinard, Sr.. He was a graduate of Agape Christian Academy where he was "Prom King" and worked as a contractor for Time Out Systems. Donnie had a remarkable ability to make others laugh and was a perfectionist at anything he did; especially keeping his vehicles clean. He enjoyed riding ATV's and dirt bikes and was an incredible musician who played the guitar, bass, and most notably the drums. His passion for playing the drums lead him to play in a local band as well as for several churches throughout the area where people will always remember him as one of the best drum players. Most importantly, Donnie loved his family – especially his dear children.

Donnie attended Spirit of Life Ministries. He played the drums in the praise bands for Varnville First Baptist Church, Open Arms Fellowship, and Spirit of Life. It always made his momma smile when she saw him play.

Surviving is his mother and step-father, Ruth Ann and David Schaffer of Cummings; his wife, Amber Mixson Kinard of Early Branch; his beloved children: Levi, Liam, and Claire Kinard all of Early Branch; his sisters, Mary Ruth LaBar of Cummings and Starla DeLoach (Eugene) of Cummings, and his brother, Jon Schaffer (Allison) of Early Branch. There are also several special nieces and nephews that Donnie was very close with: Victoria (Brock) Owen, Gabriel White, and Landon Kinard, as well as great-nieces, Reagan Owen and Kennedy Owen. Several other beloved extended family members also survive.

Donnie was predeceased by his father, Donald Timothy Kinard, Sr. and his grandparents, Rev. Harold Jasper Kinard and Demaris Geneva Jarrell Kinard.

Funeral Services will be 2 PM Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Spirit of Life Ministries, located at 235 Chanel Dr., Varnville, SC 29944, conducted by Pastor David Schaffer and Rev. Dr. Tommy Kelly. Burial will follow in the Varnville Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 1 PM and last until the hour of the service in the church sanctuary.

Pallbearers will be Zach Walker, Brandon Hage, Eric Harding, Camden Shackelfurd, Preston Shackelfurd, Brad Drawdy, Keith Lewis, and Rusty Hayes.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Kinard family during this time.