Murrie "Gene" Kinney Jr., age 75, passed away on July 12, 2026. Gene was born on March 27, 1951, in Houston, Texas, to Murrie Gene Kinney Sr. and Elsie Campbell Kinney. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown with the Class of 1969.

From an early age, Gene had a larger-than-life personality. He was a true "Type A" individual who never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. His outgoing nature and gift for connecting with people made him someone who could sell just about anything to anyone. As a child, some of his fondest memories were spending time in Sargent, Texas, visiting his grandparents along the coast.

Throughout his career, Gene served his community in several roles. He began as an employee of the Baytown Police Department before working for the Texas Department of Corrections at both the Sugar Land Unit and the Walls Unit in Huntsville. He later transitioned into the petrochemical industry, where he worked for DuPont and also Exxon Chemical as a Polymer Research Technician.

Gene was a resident of Dayton for the past 30 years and was formerly of Baytown. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching high school football, cheering on the Houston Astros, and attending Astros games with his close friend, Chuck Harris.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Murrie Gene Kinney Sr. and Elsie Campbell Kinney.

Gene leaves behind his loving sisters, Jenny Kinney Allen and Kathy Kinney Muckleroy; his close friends, Chuck and Charise Harris; along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Chuck Harris and Ken Cook.

A graveside service to celebrate Gene's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton, Texas.

Gene will be remembered for his outgoing personality, quick wit, love of conversation, and the friendships he built throughout his life. His memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him.