Andrew Kinder – The Bradenton Times

Andrew Jackson Kinder, the son of Reverend Judson B. Kinder, Sr. and Annie Hughes Kinder, was born on November 21, 1939, in Colquitt, Georgia. He passed peacefully on July 13, 2024, in Sarasota Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Andrew was the third of five siblings, three of whom preceded him in death: Judson B. Kinder, II (deceased), Roland Kinder (deceased), Sondra (Kinder) Cunningham (deceased), and Willie A. Kinder of Dallas, TX .

Andrew was educated in the public school system of Manatee County, FL. He was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial High School (Class of 1959). During his high school years, Andrew was in the chorus, was editor of the high school newspaper, president of the Student Council, and drum major of the Lincoln Memorial High School Band. After high school, Andrew matriculated to the “Highest of Seven Hills” to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science and Education with an emphasis on Horticulture, graduating in 1963. After graduation, he secured employment as an Agriculture Agent in Florence, South Carolina.

As the “first black” man to hold the position of Extension Agent, with a career that span from 1964-1995, Andrew was a very smart and personable man achieving numerous professional accomplishments. During his career, he wrote articles for the Florence Morning News (Florence Farm Notes), hosting a television agriculture segment on WBTW 13 News. Additionally, he worked with the 4-H Club affording him the opportunity to instruct the late Ronald McNair (NASA Astronaut). He sponsored softball and baseball teams, directed the Master Gardeners class teaching landscaping and pesticide training. Andrew was the Florence County Extension Director from 1981-1989. A significant achievement was his being elected President of the South Carolina County Agents’ Association.

As a member of St. Stephen AME Church, Andrew was a Trustee and served on numerous church committees. Andrew Kinder was a member of the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the Florida A & M University National Alumni Association and a supporter of the Florida A & M University National Rattlers “F” Club.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Virginia Kinder, Children: daughters, Cassandra Wilkerson (Lillian Kemp) of Dublin, G and Dawn Kinder (former Hermia D Kinder) of Kissimmee, FL; son, Eric A. Kinder (former Hermia D. Kinder) of Atlanta, GA; grandsons, Dylan E. Kinder of Atlanta, GA and Justin V. Kinder of Atlanta, GA; brother, Willie A. Kinder of Dallas, TX; step daughters, Monica Warsaw of Maryland and Deanna Warsaw of Bradenton, FL; step-son, Leland Warsaw of Kentucky; sister-in-law, Henrietta McAllister of Darlington, SC; brother-in-law, Henry Dowling of Florence, SC; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends.