Bobby and Mellie Kinard celebrate 50th anniversary

Bobby L. and Mellie Brant Kinard of Barnwell recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

They were married Aug. 16, 1966, at Great Saltkehatchie Baptist Church in Ulmer in Allendale County.

Bobby Kinard is retired from the S.C. Department of Corrections, where he was a horticulture teacher and principal. Mellie Kinard is a retired elementary and middle school teacher; she served in Allendale and Barnwell counties and Lexington District One.

After they retired, they moved to the country in Barnwell County, where they garden, farm and raise goats.

Their children are Robbie (Suzanne) Kinard of Irmo and Julie (Edward) Welch of West Columbia. They have three grandchildren: Ben and Katie Welch and J.R. Kinard.

The couple celebrated with their children, grandchildren and other family members with a special dinner at Al’s Upstairs in West Columbia.

“We are so thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed on us all these years,” Mellie Kinard said. “He has truly blessed us with precious children, grandchildren, family and friends.”