Kenneth Nale

Kenneth Earl Nale Jr., lovingly known as Kenny, passed away on Sept. 4th, 2026, at Greenwood Healthcare Center. He was born on Nov. 12, 1939, to Kenneth Earl Nale Sr. and Mary Lou Holman Nale.    

Kenny married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Nale, on Nov. 19, 1961. Their marriage was a beautiful example of a lifetime of love and devotion. Kenny loved his wife so very much. He was always happy to drive her wherever she wanted to go, whether it was shopping, running errands, or simply spending time together. Shirley preceded him in death, but the love they shared will remain a treasured part of his family's memories forever.    

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Nale Sr. and Mary Lou Holman Nale; his beloved wife, Shirley Ann Nale; and his sister, Donna Lee Nale Short, who passed away in 2022 and was married to Noel Short.    

He is survived by his two children, Tim Nale and Rebecca Nale; his granddaughters, Kennedy Hardy and Olivia Nale; and his four great-grandchildren, Christopher Hardy, Caylee Hardy, Emery Hardy and Levi Hardy.    

Kenny proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Throughout his life, he was a hardworking man of many talents and trades. He owned a body shop and loved working on cars. He spent many years selling insurance at Nale Insurance and also worked for several years as the maintenance man at Cobblestone Hotel. Kenny was the kind of man who could fix just about anything and was always willing to put his hands to work.    

One of Kenny's greatest passions was aviation. He was a pilot and proudly owned his own airplane, which he loved flying. He also enjoyed rebuilding airplanes and working on the many projects that kept him busy. His love of flying was another reflection of his adventurous spirit and his lifelong curiosity to learn, build, and explore.    

Kenny was funny, kind, and a great friend to so many people. He had a little ornery streak that often-brought laughter to those around him. His smile could light up his entire face, and it was one of the things his family will remember most about him.    

He had many hobbies and passions. He loved playing music on his banjo and guitar, working in his garden, attending auctions, and spending time outdoors. He grew green beans and onions and took great pride in his garden. He especially enjoyed his summers picking fruits and vegetables with his granddaughter, both from his own garden and at Huber's. Kenny also had a particular love for liver and onions from Mama Rosa's. He loved it so much that he was on the call list whenever they had it! He also had a special love for gooseberry pie. These little things may seem simple, but they are the memories that will bring smiles and remind his family of the man he was.    

For his grandchildren, some of the most precious memories will always be the simple moments spent with him. His granddaughter Kennedy will forever cherish the drives in his truck, turning homemade ice cream together, picking vegetables during the summer, and all the time spent by his side. Kenny lived a life filled with hard work, laughter, music, family, and love. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. He had a way of making people smile, and his presence will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.    

Although his passing leaves an incredible emptiness, his family will carry his memory forward through the traditions he created the lessons he taught, the stories they shared and the love he gave so freely. Kenny's smile, his laughter, his ornery spirit, and his unconditional love for his family will never be forgotten. He will be missed more than words can say.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Pavillion at Crown Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

Hughes-Taylor was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net