Long-time public servant C.B. Kinch passes away

JONESBOROUGH – The family of Charles B. “C.B.” Kinch Jr. notified county officials of his passing on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.

Kinch, who was appointed to the Washington County Election Commission in 2014 as one of two Democrat representatives, had been a constant figure in County government. His time as a Washington County Commissioner spanned two terms, from 2002-2010.

“C.B. was always a pleasure to be around,” said Election Commission Chairman Gary McAllister. “I really enjoyed the time I spent with him on the Election Commission. He wanted to work together for what was best for everyone, regardless of your political party. I will truly miss him as a colleague and as a friend.”

In addition to his service on both commissions, he served on the Work Release Board for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for a number of years as well.

“C.B.’s sense of humor made you want to smile when he entered the room,” said fellow Election Commissioner Margaret Davis. “He was a joy to work with and kept it light. He knew everybody, he appreciated everybody and he treated everyone the same. He always told me ‘Margaret, when it’s all said and done, life is not as serious as folks think it is.’ C.B. was a joy to be around and I will miss him.”

Davis added that she is working with the local Democrat Party on the process to fill Kinch’s shoes on the Election Commission.

“Our local Democratic party will make a recommendation and that will go through Knoxville and Nashville for approval. This is an unusual circumstance, so I don’t know how quickly this will happen” Davis said. “Because this is an election year, we will need to have someone in pretty quickly.”