Dr. George Gray Kitchens

1944 - 2024

Dr. George Gray Kitchens passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. He was born on Feb. 27, 1944, in Augusta, Ga., to the late Alice Gray Kitchens and Carlton Ralph Kitchens.
Dr. Kitchens attended Mercer University where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1970 and completed his internship in Augusta, then completed his residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. After serving as a surgeon in the United States Air Force, he started his own practice in Montgomery Alabama, where he worked until his retirement in 2008.
His entire life, Dr. Kitchens had an insatiable appetite for learning, growing, and challenging himself. Nothing pleased him more than coming across a problem or puzzle that needed solving. This was never more evident than in his ability to diagnose medical problems with amazing accuracy. He continually strived to be the best physician he could be. In 1976, he became a Board-Certified Fellow in the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, then, in 1981, he became a Fellow in The American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery. In 1995, he achieved the highest honor in Otolaryngology by being inducted as a Fellow in the American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, commonly referred to as the Triological Society.
Dr. Kitchens was a man of many devotions, but none more important than his family. He was married to the love of his life, Faye Thompson Kitchens, for 55 years, and together they had two children, Holly and Gray. Golf was his passion in life. He strived to not only always be improving his game, but also to experience and play courses all over the US and the world. After retirement he recounted his lifetime of golfing adventures abroad by penning a book about international golf travel, although his favorite course was much closer to home in Augusta.
George loved the Georgia Bulldogs with an exuberance not often duplicated; soaking up the sun whether it was on a beach, a sailboat, or fishing; and music of all kinds including singing in the church choir and playing his bagpipes. He was known for a somewhat wicked sense of humor and took great pleasure in making people laugh and sharing in their joy. With the myriad of qualities that made up his life, above all else he loved his grandchildren with all his heart and soul. They were the joy in his life, and he wanted to be around them as much as he could. He took great pride in taking each one to his sacred place, the golf course, and teaching them to play and many other lessons of life.
Dr. Kitchens is survived by his wife, Faye Thompson Kitchens; his children, Holly Kitchens Brass (Greg), George Gray Kitchens, Jr. (Stacey); grandchildren, Benjamin Matthew Brass, Mary Lily Thompson Brass, Ava Gray Kitchens, Kathryn Grace Kitchens, and Lila Jane Kitchens; brother, Carlton Ralph Kitchens, Jr. (Nancy), Sister-in-Law, Bobbie Thompson; and numerous extended family.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, James Martin Thompson.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Wren Hospice and the special caregivers who have assisted in caring for Dr. Kitchens throughout his stroke recovery and hospice care; Rozena "Lubby" Boyce, Kim Williams, Deborah Rush, Teresa Henderson, Shaylia LaBoone, and Althea Wells.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Buncombe Street Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.
Condolences and your favorite memories of George may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.