Kenneth Ray Drinning, Jr.

Services for Mr. Kenneth Ray Drinning Jr., 57 of Laird Hill will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at four o’clock in the afternoon at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home Kilgore with Reverend Jesse Thompson officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow the service at Rusk County Memorial Gardens. Mr. Kenneth Ray Drinning Jr. completed his earthly journey on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his home in Laird Hill surrounded by his loving family.

Kenneth was born on February 22, 1966, in Dallas, Texas to Connie Sue Burkett and Kenneth Ray Drinning Sr. Kenneth married the love of his life Gayle Irene Yoakum on June 23, 1984. They shared thirty-nine joyful years of marriage and three children together. Kenneth was extremely family oriented and adored every minute spent with family. He was a jack of all trades. He was an amazing mechanic and could fix about anything. Kenneth worked as a truck driver, in the oil field and as a water and waste operator. He was a devoted Christian and member of Laird Hill Baptist Church for thirty years. His hobbies included watching NASCAR and the Dallas Cowboys, working on cars, and being outdoors. Kenneth was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Gayle Drinning of Laird Hill, children Joshua Drinning and wife Kensi Drinning of Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Jade Drinning Harris and husband Samuel Harris, Sr. of Longview, parents Connie Sue Burkett and Kenneth Ray Drinning, Sr., grandchildren Luke Drinning, Zane Drinning, and Samuel Harris, Jr., sisters Donna Drinning of Liberty City, Sherry Watson, and husband Tony Watson of Liberty City along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members.

Kenneth was reunited with his daughter Hannah Lindell Drinning.

Please leave online condolences at www.raderfuneralhome.com