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CARY, N.C. — Kenneth Donald Close, 83, passed away on Nov. 14, 2019, at home.

Kenny was born on March 1, 1936, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Mildred Cary Lane Close and William Kenneth Close. He grew up in Sedley and Courtland, Virginia, as one of 10 children.

After graduating from Courtland High School, he completed Forest Ranger School in Lake City, Florida. In 1955, Kenny went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Sandra. They were married on Aug. 4, 1956, and lived in Gates County until the family moved to Raleigh for Kenny to attend forestry school at N.C. State in 1968.

After graduation, Kenny started a timber consulting and land surveying company, which kept him busy for more than 25 years.

He and Sandra spent most of his retirement years at the Owl’s Nest, their farm in Lee County and the place where Kenny was happiest. He loved the outdoors and spent his entire life outside, whether hunting turkeys, squirrels and quail, cruising timber, riding horses, calling up owls, roping cattle or taking cross-country motorcycle trips.

The epitome of “true grit,” Kenny instilled his values in his children and grandchildren, who adored him.

Kenny is survived by Sandra and their three children, Kelly, Cary and Lane; his son-in-law, James Crouch and daughter-in-law, Jackie Close; eight grandchildren; two sisters; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Gunner.

The family would like to thank Robert Jones of Broadway, North Carolina, for his continuous love, support and friendship during the last years of Kenny’s life.

Please come and share your memories of Kenny at the home of Cary and James, 2604 Churchill Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Donations honoring Kenny may be made to Transitions Lifecare, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, N.C. 27607, or The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org.