Noted flooring industry executive Warren J. Kenney, of Roswell, Ga., died at home on Saturday, Nov. 19. He was 84. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Edith, also a Brooklyn native, in 2007.
At age 15, Kenney forged his parents' signature on his enlistment form and joined the Army, fighting with the 95th Infantry in campaigns in Normandy, eastern France, the Rhineland and central Germany during World War II. His battlefield decorations include the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After the war, he was a marketing and sales executive in the flooring industry for over 40 years, rising from sales trainee to evp marketing at Bigelow-Sanford, the nation's oldest carpet manufacturer. He also served as president of the Floor Covering Council, an industry trade organization.
Kenney's career took him to Rhode Island, North Dakota, Illinois, Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina. He was a fervent sports fan, especially devoted to Notre Dame football and the Atlanta Braves, and an enthusiastic volunteer, from the Meals on Wheels program to committees at St. George Village, his retirement home in Roswell.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan, of Alpharetta, Ga., and Nancy, of Pelham, N.Y.; a son, Brian, of Hinsdale, Ill.; and four grandchildren, Ryan, Sara, Mary Lee and Kerri. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to theWounded Warriors Foundation,which assists service members from battles in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as veterans of other conflicts. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation Society and Memorial Centers in Marietta, Ga., (770) 420-5557.
