William Nelson “Shug” Kisner, of Martinsburg, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Monday, July 7, 2014, with his wife, children and family at his bedside at a family farm in Berkeley County.

Even though a stroke in 2007 left him paralyzed, he was still an inspiration to many with his positive outlook of “never had a bad day in my life. A second stroke two weeks ago put him in the loving care of Hospice and his family.

Born January 9, 1936 in Berkeley County, WV, he is the son of the late David Burr & Mary Virginia Kisner. He went to Winchester Avenue Grade School, attended Martinsburg High School and received his GED in the United States Army Reserves.

He was a lineman for Potomac Edison, owner and operator of “Shug’s Sunoco”, Sheriff of Berkeley County 1980-88, Berkeley County Commissioner 1988–1994, Maintenance Director- Blue Ridge Outlet Center, and Salesman - Wholesale Tire Company.

He was extremely active in the community all of his life and received many recognitions including receiving the 1st Berkeley County Citizen of the Year award in 1978. He served on numerous boards and was a member of many different civic and community organizations. He was President of the Martinsburg Little League 1972-76, as well as District Administrator of Little League for 3 years. He served as President of the Boys Club, Governor of the Moose Lodge 120, Board of Big Brothers, was the 1st Martinsburg High School Bulldog Mascot, organized the 1st Optimist International Chapter in this area as well as formed the first M.A.D.D (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) in Berkeley County. He attended The Living Room church, where he served as head-greeter for many years. His efforts to improve this community are too numerous to mention as he dedicated his entire life to the betterment of the home-town he loved dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeannie Sowers Kisner; three sons, David Kisner and wife, Becky, Tommy Kisner and wife Marty, and Timmy Kisner; two daughters, Pam Bartgis and husband Kelly and Mary Beth Blair and husband Rob; a sister, Wanda Chapman of Tennessee and a brother, Calvin Kisner of Martinsburg. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren; Michelle Kinder, Rachel Lehman, Daniel Kisner, Emily Kisner, Sarah Hamlin, Matthew Bartgis, Nikki Regulbuto, Ryan Kisner, Josie Kisner, Luke Kisner, Ashley Woolum, Heather Kisner, J.T. Kisner, Kristen Kisner, Robby Blair, Brady Blair and Lexy Blair; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, George, Donald and Meredith Kisner; two sisters, Rose Lamp and Beatrice Kisner, and one infant granddaughter Amanda Marie Kisner.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, July 20th at 4pm at The Living Room church located in the Martinsburg Mall with Pastors Kevin and Beth Green, along with Grandson-Pastor Matt Bartgis officiating. Family visitation will be from 2pm to 4pm prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Panhandle in honor of Shug Kisner. Arrangements by Browns Funeral Home.

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