William Haynie “Billy” McNinch, Jr.
Laurens, South Carolina
William Haynie “Billy” McNinch, Jr., 73, and husband of Catherine “Cathy” Godwin McNinch of 201 Conway Ave., Laurens, went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 16, 2025, surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Born on November 5, 1951, in Laurens, South Carolina, he was the son of the late, William Haynie “Bill” McNinch, Sr. and Mary “Ruth” Wilson McNinch of Laurens. Billy was a graduate of Laurens High School in 1971, where he had a successful athletic career in football and baseball. Billy broke conference records his junior year in football as the highest scorer with 138 points. His baseball career batting average of .365 and .600 his senior year earned him a baseball scholarship to Spartanburg Junior College (now Spartanburg Methodist). Billy was an avid golfer with a 2 handicap and had a God given talent to win any sport he played.
Billy was a winner and leader in his career as a supervisor at Torrington for 32 years. After retiring, he enjoyed golfing, riding his Harley and most of all, spending time with his family. He was a member of New Harvest Church in Laurens where he loved praising our Lord and Savior and witnessing to help others to know and love Jesus. He was a lifetime member of Rossie Walker Lodge #354 in Laurens. Billy’s servant’s heart showed in his everyday life as he would take care of his family and friends with projects. Whether it was building a deck, electrical or working on cars, that was his passion. Billy went above and beyond to help others with his gifted abilities to “build it” or “fix it.” Billy’s love for his wife, children, siblings, family, and friends reflected in his everyday life to help others.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, “Cathy” and two daughters, Tonya Dawn McNinch and Amanda “Mandy” Leigh McNinch all of the home: three sisters, Libby M. Owens (Steve), Edi McNinch and Julie Rush (Reggie) all of Laurens, along with a cousin who was raised as a sister, Brenda Wilson Winn of Simpsonville. Billy had nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, Katie Owens (Brad), Daniel Owens (Kera), Tyler Rush (Morgan), Dianna Rush (Stephen Gray), Tripp Godwin (Lisa), Keith Garrett, Rip Garrett (Amanda), Tim Skinner (Christina), David Skinner (Monica), Becky Smith (Kenny); Sister-in laws, Jo-Ann Skinner and Betty Garrett; 9 great nephews; 12 great nieces; 1 great-great niece; and 3 great-great nephews. A special thank you to his great niece, McKenna Skinner, for her support in Billy’s final days.
Billy’s life will be celebrated at a graveside service on Thursday, May 22, 2:00 PM, at Forest Lawn Cemetery conducted by Rev. Ben Rumph with Masonic Rites.
An evening visitation for all family and friends will be held at The Kennedy Mortuary on Wednesday, May 21, 6-8 pm.
The family will be at the home.
Memorials may be made to Williams Syndrome Association, 243 Broadway, Unit 9188, Newark, NJ 07104 or online at www.fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/LAURENS.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.thekennedymortuary.com
The Kennedy Mortuary & Crematory
