Larry D. Kinzer

September 20, 1952 - November 17, 2013

Mr. Larry D. Kinzer, age 61, a resident of Columbia, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Larry was born September 20, 1952 to John Henry Kinzer, Sr. and Emma N. Green Kinzer. A 1970 Graduate of Columbia Central High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1971 during the Vietnam War. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree at Mississippi State University in 1981 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. During his military career, he served four overseas tours in Taipai, Taiwan; Osan, Korea; Neubrucke, Germany and Comiso, Sicily. He was stationed at several Air Force Bases throughout the United States. Retiring from the Air Force in 1995 at the rank of Captain, he received numerous military awards and decorations which included two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendations Medals, three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, the Humanitarian Service Medal and two National Defense Service Medals. Mr. Kinzer was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma D. Kinzer and Sister Mary D. Hall. Survivors are daughter Shantel Renee Kinzer of Augusta, Georgia; Granddaughters Aliyaah and Lailah Oliviere. Brothers John H. Kinzer, Jr. and Charles T. Kinzer, Sr., Sisters Mattie Wisener, Rosia Kinzer and Annie Kinzer. Nephews William Lamar Hall, Mark A. Hall, Jonathan Keith Hall, Robin Andrea Wisner, Charles Kinzer, Jr. and Jonathan Braden. Nieces Deborah Webster, Angelia James, Shelia R. Kinzer, Vivian Timmons, Sylvia Gordan, Jennifer McWilliam, Jennifer E. Kinzer, Chymaine Kinzer, Mikia Kinzer and Aunt Carrie Jones. Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 1:00 -2:00 PM with a Home-Going Celebration beginning at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Larry will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 2, 2014. You may share condolences with the family at the top of this page.