On January 14, 2025, Everett Kenneth “Kenny” Law, notable for his appearance on Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” and a third-generation distiller from Virginia, passed away in a local hospital in Rocky Mount, Virginia. He was 68 years old.
The news about Law’s demise was announced on social media by Law’s Choice Distillery, which he operated in partnership with his cousin, Henry Law. The post stated, “With sorrow, we announce that Everett ‘Kenny’ Law passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.”
Henry Law revealed that Kenny had been dealing with several health problems in recent years. In 2024, Kenny had a heart attack and was later hospitalized due to a blood infection. He also had to contend with diabetes during his final years.
The Law family has a long history of distilling. Kenny and Henry are the grandsons of Owen Law, who started the family business. They learned the craft from Henry’s father, Amos Law, a well-known moonshiner in the area. Eventually, they shifted to legal distilling through their Law’s Choice Distillery in Franklin County, Virginia. Kenny and Henry reportedly produced up to 47,000 gallons of moonshine each year.
During the eighth season of “Moonshiners”, Law joined the cast. The series, which started in 2011, portrays Appalachian residents who are keeping their families’ 200-year-old moonshine-making traditions alive.
In 1977, Law’s moonshine career almost came to an end when an indoor distilling operation caused a propane explosion. Despite suffering severe burns, Law went back into the burning building to save his father. He made a full recovery from these injuries.
Showing his entrepreneurial prowess, Law founded Law’s Roofing Company in the 1980s. He ran the successful business for two decades while continuing his family’s distilling tradition. Throughout the 1990s, he donated time and materials to install roofs on Habitat for Humanity houses in Rocky Mount, Virginia.
Law, known for his outgoing personality, enjoyed interacting with fans of the show. His obituary described him as “a true outlaw – rebellious, fun-loving, charming, and tough as nails, yet soft-hearted toward those he loved.” Outside of filming and distilling, Law also pursued his hobby of restoring and reselling antiques.
The Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” social media account paid tribute to Law, saying, “We’re deeply saddened about Kenny Law’s passing. He was a treasured member of our Moonshiners community since season eight. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Shine on, Kenny.”
Amanda Bryant, co-star on “Moonshiners”, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying, “Last Night We Lost a True Legend, Kenny Law from our Moonshiner Family. You will be dearly missed, it was an Honor to know you and call you my friend. Prayers for the whole Law family in this time. They are dear friends of mine and my heart breaks for each of them.”
Law is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kenzie and Nathan Wright; grandsons, Atlas and Fox Wright; brothers, David Law and Ronnie (Suzanne) Law; and cousin, Henry Lee Law.