Jerry Wayne Kinsey, 65, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford after a lengthy illness. He was born May 13, 1942, in Mexia, Texas, to Marvin and Louise Kinsey. He was a member of the Verona First Baptist Church. He received his B.A. from Sam Houston State University. He was a captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served as a Medevac helicopter pilot. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and two Air Medals with Valor. Upon discharge from the Army, he continued his aviation career with the Mississippi National Guard and was a pilot for Exxon-Mobil until his retirement. He was well respected by his peers and his experience served as building blocks for the younger pilots he served with.