The Rome community is mourning the loss of local businessman and longtime community supporter Bart Kinne, who passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 51.

While Kinne built a successful career as a business owner, those who knew him say his greatest impact was never measured by the businesses he owned or the money he made.

It was measured by the people he helped.

For nearly three decades, Kinne was a familiar face in Rome, beginning his journey as a local business owner when he and his mother purchased Floyd Bowling and Amusement in East Rome 27 years ago.

What started with a bowling alley would eventually grow into a career that included multiple businesses and countless relationships throughout Northwest Georgia.

Years later, Kinne purchased Classic Lanes Bowling Alley in West Rome, continuing his connection to the sport that had become such an important part of his life.

He would later become the owner of Jefferson’s restaurants in both Rome and Calhoun.

But for many people, Bart Kinne will not be remembered first as a businessman.

He will be remembered as a friend.

Kinne had a reputation for helping people simply because he could. Whether someone needed a helping hand, encouragement, an opportunity or someone willing to stand beside them, Kinne was often there. And he never wanted recognition for it.

Those close to Kinne describe a man who was more comfortable helping from behind the scenes than standing in the spotlight. He was not someone who needed his name attached to every good deed. If he could make a difference for someone else, that was often enough.

That same spirit carried into his approach to business and the community.

Kinne wanted other people to succeed.

He was known for encouraging those around him, giving people opportunities and pushing them to become better versions of themselves. His success was not simply about what he could build for himself, but about how many other people he could help along the way.

His love for bowling remained a constant throughout his life. For Kinne, bowling was about far more than competition or running a business. It was about people, friendships and the memories created along the way.

He also loved traveling with his friends, making memories and enjoying the time spent with the people who meant the most to him.

That ability to make connections with people was perhaps Kinne’s greatest gift.

He could walk into a room and make people feel welcome. He developed friendships through his businesses, through bowling, through travel and through his involvement in the community.

For many, those friendships lasted years.

And for those who knew him best, Bart’s passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

Rome has lost a businessman, but more importantly, it has lost someone who genuinely cared about the people around him.

The bowling alleys, restaurants and other businesses Kenne was associated with will continue to stand as part of his legacy.

There are people in this community who are better off because Bart Kenne crossed their path.

Some were given opportunities.

Some received help when they needed it.

Some simply had a friend who believed in them.

That was Bart.