Everett Kenneth “Kenny” Law, star of Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” and third-generation Virginia distiller, died January 14, 2025, at a local hospital in Rocky Mount, Virginia. He was 68.
Law’s Choice Distillery, which he co-owned with his cousin Henry Law, announced his passing on social media. “With sorrow, we announce that Everett ‘Kenny’ Law passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones,” read the post.
Law had been battling multiple health issues over recent years. His cousin Henry revealed Kenny had suffered a heart attack in 2024 and was recently hospitalized due to a blood infection. He also struggled with diabetes in his final years.
The Laws’ distilling heritage is traced back generations. Kenny and Henry were grandsons of Owen Law, learning the craft from Kenny’s father, Amos, who gained notoriety as one of the region’s most prominent moonshiners—before transitioning 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 annually.
Law joined the cast of “Moonshiners” in Season 8. The show, which premiered in 2011, documents Appalachian residents continuing their families’ 200-year-old moonshine-making traditions.
His moonshining career nearly ended in 1977 when an indoor distilling operation resulted in a propane explosion. Despite sustaining severe burns, Law re-entered the burning building to rescue his father. He made a full recovery from his injuries.
Law established Law’s Roofing Company in the 1980s, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. He operated the successful business for two decades while maintaining his family’s distilling tradition. During the 1990s, he contributed to his community by donating time and materials to install roofs on Habitat for Humanity houses in Rocky Mount, Virginia.
Known for his outgoing personality, Law particularly enjoyed meeting 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.” When not filming or distilling, Law pursued his favorite hobby of “picking” antiques, which he would restore and resell.
The Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” social media account honored Law’s passing: “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.”
Co-star Amanda Bryant remembered Law in a social media tribute: “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. A visitation is scheduled for January 17 at Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount, Virginia, with funeral services on January 18.
