Prominent East KY businessman dies

ALLEN, Ky. (WYMT) - Prominent Floyd County businessman Willard Kinzer has died. He was 97.

Kinzer was a World War II veteran and was involved in drilling nearly all his life.

In 1951, he took over his family owned business and began expanding it.

People who drive along Highway 80 in Allen will recognize Kinzer Drilling and the huge American flag that’s been flying for many years.

Kinzer was not only known as a successful businessman and philanthropist, but for his drag racing career that began later in life and continued into his 90’s.

Kinzer won numerous awards and served on several boards.

He was actively involved in his church and helped form the Wesley Christian School.

Kinzer was married to his wife Lucy for 70 years. She died in 2015.

In 2011, he won the Tony Turner Award at the East Kentucky Leadership Conference.

“I’d just like for people to remember me as being a good person and someone that liked to help their fellow man. I guess that’s about it,” said Kinzer during a 2011 WYMT interview.

Congressman Hal Rogers released this statement:

“Willard Kinzer lived at 200 mph, not only in racing, but in operating a thriving business and through his generous investments in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. He was the epitome of fearlessness, first signing up to defend freedom as a 16 year old during World War II, and returning home to set racing records while establishing a premiere oil business in the mountains. Willard leaves behind of legacy of courageous ambition and strategic success that is widely admired. My wife Cynthia and I share our heartfelt sympathy with the Kinzer family and everyone who had the privilege of witnessing his incredible life.”

Senator Mitch McConnell posted this on social media:

“Willard Kinzer was a one-of-a-kind Kentuckian. Not only did he win a drag-racing championship at the age of 90, he lived by the phrase, ‘life begins at 200mph’ – a fitting motto for a man who never seemed to take his foot off the gas pedal."

The visitation for Kinzer will be after 6 p.m. Sunday at Hall Funeral Home in Martin and after 1 p.m. Monday at Allen United Methodist Church.

The funeral will be Monday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at the church.

Entombment will follow at the Hall-Kinzer Cemetery in Allen.

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