Kenny Law, ‘Moonshiners’ Star and Third-Generation Distiller, Dies at 68: ‘Shine On, Brother’

October 1, 2025 – The moonshining world has lost one of its most enduring figures with the passing of Everett “Kenny” Law, a beloved cast member of Discovery Channel’s long-running series Moonshiners. Law, 68, died peacefully on January 14, 2025, at a hospital in Franklin County, Virginia, surrounded by his family, after a prolonged battle with health complications including a heart attack, diabetes, and a severe blood infection. His death, announced by his family on Facebook and confirmed by cousin Henry Lee Law to TMZ, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, co-stars, and the Moonshiners production team, celebrating a man whose rebellious spirit and soft-hearted charm embodied the outlaw legacy of Appalachian distilling. As the “moonshine capital of the world,” Franklin County mourns a third-generation craftsman who bridged the illegal traditions of his ancestors with a legal distillery empire, leaving behind a family, a thriving business, and a television legacy that entertained millions.

Born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, to Everett “Peanut” Law and Norma Jean Divers, Kenny grew up immersed in the clandestine art of moonshining, a craft passed down through generations in the Law family. His grandfather, Owen Law, and uncle, Amos Law—Henry’s father—were notorious figures in the trade, producing vast quantities of illicit liquor during Prohibition and beyond. As a boy, Kenny learned the ropes from Amos, honing skills that would define his life. “Back in the heyday, me and him, we made about as much liquor as anybody in the country or more,” Kenny told WFXR in 2020, reflecting on the duo’s peak output of up to 47,000 gallons annually. This heritage, rooted in the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s and the fast-driving bootleggers who birthed NASCAR, made Franklin County a fitting backdrop for Moonshiners, which debuted in 2011 and has chronicled the region’s 200-year tradition across 14 seasons.

Law joined the cast in Season 8, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his rugged charisma, white beard, and camouflage-clad appearances that screamed Appalachian authenticity. Alongside Henry, he showcased their legal operation at Law’s Choice Distillery, where they produced high-proof shine using family recipes refined over decades. The distillery, a stone’s throw from their childhood still sites, symbolized Kenny’s evolution from outlaw to entrepreneur, blending illicit lore with modern compliance. Viewers tuned in for his tales of narrow escapes, like the 1977 propane explosion that engulfed a building during a run. At 21, Kenny emerged unscathed only to rush back into the flames to save his father, suffering severe burns that sidelined him for months. Dubbed a “cat with nine lives” in his obituary, he recovered fully and returned to the trade, embodying the resilience that captivated Moonshiners audiences. “He was a true outlaw—rebellious, fun-loving, charming, and tough as nails, yet soft-hearted toward those he loved,” his obituary read, noting his joy in meeting fans who “often remarked how kind and supportive they are.”

Kenny’s health decline was as unyielding as the Appalachian hills he called home. In 2024, a heart attack hospitalized him, compounding long-standing diabetes and leading to a blood infection that required a month-long stay. “Kenny’s body just wore out after fighting both the infection and his underlying conditions,” Henry told TMZ, emphasizing the toll of years spent in a physically demanding profession. Despite the struggles, Kenny remained active, restoring antiques—a favorite hobby—and cherishing time with his daughter, Kenzie Wright, and grandsons, Atlas and Fox. He is also survived by brothers David Law and Ronnie (Suzanne) Law; cousin Henry Lee Law, “like a brother to him”; and a host of aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins. A viewing was held on January 17, 2025, with funeral services at Flora Funeral Chapel in Rocky Mount on January 18 at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Henry Fork Church Cemetery.

The Moonshiners family was swift to honor Kenny’s legacy. The official Facebook page posted, “We’re deeply saddened about Kenny Law’s passing. He was a treasured member of our Moonshiners community since season eight… Shine on, Kenny.” Co-star Amanda Bryant shared on Instagram, “You will be dearly missed… Rest Easy Big Guy,” calling him “a true moonshine legend.” Photographer Kenny Webster echoed, “RIP my friend. A legendary Kenny Law.” Steve Tickle, another cast staple, paid respects online, while fans flooded Reddit’s r/Moonshiners with memories: “Kenny you will never be forgotten… DEAR GOD BLESS THE LAW FAMILY.” One user reflected, “He was one of the good ones. A really good man… Prayers for his family.” The subreddit, with 3.3K subscribers, became a virtual wake, sharing clips of Kenny’s still-firing scenes and debating his impact on the show’s authenticity.

Moonshiners, a docudrama blending documentary and dramatization, has thrived on characters like Kenny, who brought unfiltered grit to the screen. The series, produced by Magilla Entertainment, has faced scrutiny for staging elements—Virginia ABC disavowed early depictions in 2011—but Kenny’s authenticity shone through. As a third-generation distiller, he educated viewers on the craft’s dangers and joys, from testing proof with black powder to evading “revenuers.” His partnership with Henry at Law’s Choice Distillery, which sells legal shine in Virginia and beyond, mirrored the show’s pivot from outlaw tales to legitimate ventures, much like Tim Smith’s Climax Moonshine. Kenny’s episodes often highlighted Franklin County’s role in moonshining history, where the trade fueled NASCAR’s origins and sustained families through economic hardship.

Beyond the still, Kenny ran a roofing company in Rocky Mount, balancing blue-collar work with his passion. His obituary praised his “proudest accomplishment”—daughter Kenzie, whom he called his “pride and joy.” In quieter moments, he restored antiques, a hobby that kept his hands busy long after the cameras stopped rolling. Fans cherished his interactions at events like the Marton Steam Show, where he and Henry mingled with supporters, bucket in hand. “He truly enjoyed meeting fans… and often remarked how kind and supportive they are,” the obituary noted, a sentiment echoed in tributes like Amanda’s: “Prayers for the whole Law family… They are all very good friends of mine and my heart breaks for each of them.”

Kenny’s passing comes amid a transitional year for Moonshiners, now in its 14th season with spinoffs like Moonshiners: Master Distiller. The show’s blend of history and drama has drawn criticism for authenticity—producer Matt Ostrom admitted pivoting from “boring” legal distilleries to outlaw aesthetics—but Kenny’s real-life perils lent credibility. His survival of the 1977 explosion, detailed in WFXR interviews, exemplified the risks: “I ran back in to save my father… spent months in the hospital.” Such stories humanized the craft, far from the sanitized shine on store shelves.

As Franklin County reflects on its “moonshine capital” status, Kenny’s legacy endures through Law’s Choice Distillery, where Henry vows to continue. The family’s Facebook post captured the grief: “We love you and are already lost without you! Please look over us as you always have! SHINE On Brother!” Tributes poured in, from WKRN’s coverage of the cousins’ heyday to Fox News’ montage of 2025 celebrity losses. On Reddit, users shared, “How was his liver? RIP,” blending humor with sorrow, while others praised his inspiration: “You are an inspiration to everyone out here who has pre-existent medical conditions… a joy to watch.”

Kenny Law’s death marks the end of an era for Moonshiners, but his spirit—tough, charming, and unyieldingly Appalachian—will shine on in reruns and memories. As the family gathers for his funeral, fans worldwide raise a jar to a man who turned family tradition into television gold. Moonshiners airs on Discovery Channel, with all seasons available on Discovery+.