William "Kenney" Kenneth Grant

William Kenneth Grant, but known to everyone as Kenney, 94 of Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Kenney was born June 5, 1930, in Huntington, WV the son of the late Arthur and Myrtle Black Grant. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Grant Bartram, former wife and mother of his daughters, Vivian Grant and a sister, Margie Grant Stoner. Kenney's formal education included his attendance of Peyton Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School and was a proud graduate of Huntington East High School with the class of 1948. Kenney was the founder and owner of Gino's Pizza and Spaghetti House, established in 1961. He also owned several Tudors Biscuit World locations. Kenney received the American Legion Citizen of the Year award for 1993-1994. In 2003, Kenney was inducted in the Huntington East Hall of Fame. Kenney worked tirelessly to create a business that earned him, in April of 2004, the Herald Dispatch, "Business Innovator of the Year" after being nominated by one of his long-time employees. In October 2004, Kenney was elected to membership in the Greater Huntington Wall of Fame. Kenney loved and cared about Huntington and the people that live here. Kenney was a visionary, he was not one to be satisfied with being just another pizza place, he always wanted more for his hometown and tried to bring that to them. In his attempt to become a successful businessman, Kenney never failed to forget his roots. He always was one to attempt to see positive growth in Huntington and for those that live here. He continued to serve his community and contribute to the economic development in the Huntington area. Kenney was always a supporter and sponsor with the Marshall Artist Series. In 2002, he attended the Cuban Jazz Festival with other Artist Series Board members in hopes of securing some of their musicians to perform here. An avid sports fan, Kenney had been a proud sponsor of youth sports, many kids over the years have worn a Gino's jersey. Kenney had also been involved with Marshall sports – in good times and in bad. Kenney was among the first to support the Huntington Cubs and Huntington Blizzard semi pro teams when they came to town. Kenney loved all sports and kept busy attending Marshall football and basketball, Cincinnati Bengals and the Reds games and his favorite the Miami Heat. He is survived by three daughters, Diana Sturm and husband, James, Anita Bartram and husband, Richard and Rebecca Wise and fiancé Brent Vaughn all of Huntington; six grandchildren, Ken Santmyer, Mary Morgan Wise, Ryan Bartram, Tyler Bartram, and Chilton Wise and five great-grandchildren, Marli Bartram, Lilly Harper Ryan, Layni Bartram, Jaxon Santmyer and Vivian Bartram. Kenney is also survived by special friends, Debra Smith, Karleen O'Brien and Scott Ferguson along with numerous friends, employees and co-workers. The family would like to thank caregiver Roberta South, Wyngate and Hospice of Huntington. The family will receive friends on Friday from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Beard Mortuary. Private burial services will be held for the family. Online memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.beardmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Marshall Artist Series, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755-2210.

Marshall Artist Series
1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington WV 25755-2210
Web: https://www.marshall.edu/muartistseries/#/contact