Dolford "KINNEY" Fretwell Jr.'s Obituary
Dolford McKinney Fretwell Jr., better known as Kinney, was born on January 3, 1942 in Fort Worth, Texas to Lura and Dolford McKinney Fretwell, Sr. Although born in Texas, Kinney was raised in Berkeley, California where his family moved when he was very young. Kinney attended Berkeley schools for elementary and junior high school, then graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland, California.
After graduation, Kinney enlisted in the U.S. Navy, completed his 4 years of service, and was honorably discharged. Post Navy, he attended California State University Hayward where he received a BS degree in Computer Science.
Kinney married April, the love of his life, and to this union his only daughter Amber was born, who became the love of both their lives. Together they enjoyed camping, going to the movies, and music festivals, especially the Monterey Jazz Festival that they attended every year. They also loved family and friends’ gatherings and often hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Kinney has always been interested in keeping up with current technology, dating as far back as RPG and Cobalt computer programming, in which he made his living as a computer programmer. Kinney had his own computer and consulting business in downtown Oakland, Office Management Systems and Consulting Groups, contracting with well-known companies. His very last job in 2014 was working with computers for FEMA.
Kinney enjoyed fishing, listening to music, watching sci-fi movies, and was an avid sports fan who loved the Golden State Warriors. However, his all-time favorite team was the Oakland Raiders, who he had been following since their beginning when they played at Frank Youell Field in the 1960’s, a small stadium next to Laney College.
Kinney answered the Lord’s call for an even more abundant life on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Kinney is preceded in death by his wife, April, his mother Lura and father Dolford Sr.; one son, Dolford McKinney Fretwell III; brother, George Vincent Brown, and his beloved grandmother, Carrie E Brown.
He leaves in remembrance of his life and times shared his children, Amber Fretwell and Mark Fretwell; daughter-in-law, Elnora Fretwell; grandchildren, Dolford McKinney Fretwell IV, Meshawn Fretwell, Shavonn Fretwell, and Martell Fretwell Sr.; brother, Michael Fretwell; sisters, Carmen Johnson, Jackie Louise Berry, and Terry Landingham; nieces, Debbie Hankins, Lisa Brock, Tina Graham (Dion Graham), Tonya Rambo, and Shelly Landingham; nephews, Al Rambo, Quincy Landingham, Otis Brown, and LaRafael Brown; and a host of great grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends. Kinney touched many lives. His support, guidance, and wisdom will never be forgotten.
The memorial service will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 1:30pm at Independent Holiness Community Church, 605 S 16th Street, Richmond, CA 94804. Pastor Raymond Landry of Independent Holiness Community Church will be officiating.
Interment
Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, CA
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