Thomas Edward Kessinger, the grandfather of Elijah Thomas Kessinger, father of Vanessa and Chris Kessinger, died on August 11th at his home in Cross Lanes, West Virginia. He was born in Charleston on March 26th 1952 to Pauline and Gene Kessinger, as the middle child in a family of 9 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his sisters, Louise Ells and Lisa Holliday. He chose to live in Charleston most of his life, working for the phone company, hunting deer, fishing, and four wheeling. In his retirement, he enjoyed collecting antique books, coins, painting landscapes, making jewelry, spending time with Eli, and writing poetry. In his own words "I have lived and loved all my life. Don't anyone grieve. I had a good life and no one can take that away." Celebration of life party will be announced at a later date. Long & Fisher Funeral Home in Sissonville is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.