March 4, 2025, 87, Kinston —
June 29, 1937 – March 4, 2025
Kenneth Earl “Kenny” Koonce, Sr., 87, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025 at UNC Lenoir Hospital. Kenny was born in Jones County to the late Mitchell and Lillie Haney Koonce on June 29, 1937. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Waters; and his son, Kenneth Earl “Little Kenny” Koonce, Jr.
Growing up on a farm, Kenny learned the value of hard work from an early age. Always possessing a strong work ethic, Kenny maintained many successful ventures throughout his career. Locally, he was known as the co-owner of Watergate Exxon and owner of Plaza Exxon before opening Koonce Auto Service and Body Shop. Kenny had an unmatched talent for working on vehicles and retired in 2000 with a reputation of excellence after many decades of service to those in his community.
While living in Washington, D.C. during his early adulthood, Kenny met and completely fell for the love of his life, June. The two met on July 23, 1961 and were wed less than two months later on September 22, 1961. In 1978, they moved their family back to North Carolina to raise their children in a more tranquil and familiar environment. Devoted to his children, Kenny made sure to attend the activities of his daughter, Yvonne, including the yearly dance recital and softball games. Their son, “Little Kenny”, was interested in drag racing much like his father, so the two shared that connection throughout the years. He deeply loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and proudly boasted his titles of “Granddaddy” and “Great-Papa”.
With a lifelong passion for drag racing, Kenny participated in races from 1964 until 2004. Through his drag racing career, he won four national events in addition to many state and local awards.
A service of love and remembrance will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Peay officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon. Committal will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Kenny is survived by his wife of over 63 years, June Koonce; daughter, Yvonne Koonce Donah and husband, Kyle; grandchildren, Chelsea Evans, Zachary Evans (Paige), Ethan Donah, Richard Donah, Sidney Blair Koonce, and Kolby Rae Koonce; great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn and Rowan; and siblings, Mildred Parsons, Richard Koonce (Dianne), and Cynthia Johnson.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org.)
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
