Terry Kinnamon Obituary

Terry E. Kinnamon, 80 of Eatonton, Georgia, passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones. A man of incredible strength, he defied the odds and survived for almost 3 years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

Terry was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 9, 1944 to Mae (nee Zingsheim) and Elmer Kinnamon. He graduated in 1967 from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in Marketing. He began an illustrious career with Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Starting as a sales trainee, he quickly rose to become President of the Neenah Paper division. He was instrumental in making the “Classic Laid” brand the most sought after in the industry. 

After 37 years, Terry retired in 2004 and moved to Naples, Florida. During retirement, he and Christie were avid travelers, together they covered over 100 countries, visited every continent and saw the Wonders of the World. When state side, Terry enjoyed golf and fishing in the Gulf of America. In 2020, he relocated to Eatonton, Georgia where he lived full time at his beautiful home on Lake Oconee. The location offered a wonderful opportunity for family to gather. Terry and his Grandchildren, Cole and Kate shared a passion for cooking and together they worked on their next greatest creation. Terry became the King of BBQ Smokers, attending seminars to hone in his skills and was a frequent viewer of the Food Network channel. Terry continued to read, learn and study to become a successful strategic investor. 

He is survived by his Wife of 35 years, Christie Kinnamon of Shelley, Idaho, his Son, Troy Kinnamon, Daughter in Law, Lara, both of John’s Creek, Georgia, Daughter Tanya Kinnamon of Hazelhurst, Georgia, Grandchildren, Cole of John’s Creek, Georgia and Kate Kinnamon, a Student at Auburn, Alabama and his Brother, Leigh Kinnamon (Jan) of Neosho, Wisconsin. 

Visitation will be held from 9am until the funeral service at 11am on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, Illinois. 

In lieu of flowers, Terry’s wishes would be to donate in his name to either the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306;  American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741; or The Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002. 

“Never. We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. 
We are merely in different rooms”. - Paulo Coelho.