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Matthew F. Kimbrell
Matthew F. Kimbrell
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Matthew Kimbrell Obituary
A Celebration of Matt's life will be held on Wednesday, October 20th beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood.
Kimbrell, 51, was best known as a drummer, but he played many other instruments -- most notably on a self-titled CD that he also wrote, arranged and produced in 2001.
The son of local bandleader Henry Kimbrell and brother of guitarist Mark Kimbrell, he was a versatile performer and a regular on the Birmingham nightclub scene since the 1970s.
Over the years, Kimbrell played with groups that included Ryan Reardon & the Levee Breakers, the Tim Boykin Blues Band, Robert Moore & the Wildcats, Possum, Mambo Combo, the Hurlers, Big Dixie and Jim Bob and the Leisure Suits.
He also taught at the Birmingham Percussion Center and was part of Get Rhythm! programs organized by Birmingham's John Scalici.
Pam Spradlin
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rick Fullington
November 16, 2010
I was lucky enough to play in one of the first little garage bands with Matt some 38 years ago. I will never forget his unique personality and sense of humor, through all the many, many practices we had, simply put you don't get better than Matt Kimbrell! It was an honor to be a friend of his. It's hard to believe it's been so long ago because it seems like it was yesterday. Even then and at such a young age Matt was a great drummer and talent from an incredible music family. I'm so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing and send my deepest sympathy and prayers to his family at this time.
Sincerely,
Rick Fullington
Lakeland, Florida
Lori C
October 26, 2010
It took just once - to meet you in high school and know I'd call you forever friend. How lucky was I
We strolled the parks of Highland once. Talking of nothing and laughing about anything. How blessed by you was I
You played just for me once - no one else around to share it. Your attentive audience of one was I
You loved me once. The way you looked at me changed, but I wasn't paying attention. How blind was I
You lived but once - friendship and music for all. Many fans and friends will miss you. Oh no - not just I
Lee Hurley
October 20, 2010
Matt..all you ever did was make me laugh. And smile. Of all your stories that will keep me company for years to come, the Bud Green road trip will be first: when the Hotel manager said, "OPEN THIS DOOR. LET ME IN!" And you said, "NOT BY THE HAIR OF MY CHINNY CHIN CHIN!"
Salena W-S
October 20, 2010
My first memory of Matt as a musician was the backyard party at the Carlton's house in Bluff Park. He and Brad D. were icons of our class b/c of their musical talents. More recently, I had the pleasure of seeing a different side of Matt that he shared with only a few. Your warm smile and sharp wit will be greatly missed by many, my sweet friend. Love ya, Matt. Peace be with you and your family, Mark.
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October 20, 2010
Matt was a funny man and a musician's musician - a real journeyman. Peace and love to the Kimbrell family from Martin in California.
October 20, 2010
I knew Matt well, knew him since I was 15 months old. When my Dad came back to Birmingham after serving two years in the Airforce in San Antonio, we rented a house in Bluff Park right across the street from the Kimbrells. My older brother, the late Curt Johnson, was the same age as Mark Kimbrell and my younger brother, the late Mark Johnson, was the same age as Matt. We had a family saying that Matt was my first boyfriend, when I was two years old. Matt was an important person in my life and we were even engaged for about 6 months in 1997. I was still living in Colorado but he and I had started dating while I was home for the off season, in October 1996. He came back to Aspen with me and flew home after 10 days. He came back New Year's Day and he got down on one knee and gave me the diamond that Mr. Kimbrell had given to Mrs. Kimbrell. I ended up coming back to Bham in May 1997 but it didn't work out between us. It wasn't because we didn't love each other, we just wanted different things from life. The last time I saw him was at the 2010 Bluff Park Art Show. I will always love him. I'm just sorry he left this life so early.
Lamar Smith
October 20, 2010
Matt will be greatly missed by all. He was a friend to everyone he met with his warm smile and quick humor. Our prayers are with the Kimbrell family, a family that has provided such incredible talent to our region for many decades. Mark - may God bless you and your family.
Jeff Albright
October 19, 2010
Matt was a gentle spirit and a good man.
I wish him well in his journey.
Erin Olshan Boyer
October 19, 2010
Mark,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Love to you and yours,
Suzanne Baker
October 19, 2010
In memory of Matt who was and still is an amazing energy force in this universe. He is a part of my history and the history of music in Birmingham. He will be missed in the flesh but ever present in the spirit to those of us that will always remember him. Bright flames seem to burn faster...
Love to Mark in this time of loss and transition,
Elizabeth Rappaport
October 19, 2010
To Matt's Family
I didn't know Matt, But I was a student at Red Mountain. Matt and Mark played at our reunion 2 years ago - a time we will all remember fondly. The music was absolutely wonderful. The world suffers a great loss in the passing of Matt. My deepest sympathies to all of his family. Sending you all love.
Scott Johnson
October 18, 2010
Dear Matt,
Your loss is great and affects many. Thank you for the joy you provided!
God bless you! I pray that he blesses your family, loved ones and many friends with some sense of comfort during this most difficult time.
Yours truly,
Julie Burnett Zecher
October 18, 2010
Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that the Angels met up with Matt and helped him on his way. Peace be with you.
Julie (Burnett) Zecher
Gary Lincoln
October 18, 2010
My dear, sweet, friend, I will miss you forever. Right now all I can feel is the pain of your death, but I will try to remember all the wonderful times we had as friends, band mates, and kindred spirits. I will always love you, Matt. Mark, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Rusty Blythe
October 18, 2010
Farewell to one of the most talented people that I have ever met.
Matt Kimbrell leaves an indelible mark on the music community of his hometown. His passing leaves a tremendous void.
I offer my most sincere condolences to Mark and the rest of the Kimbrell family, as well as to all the friends and people touched by Matt's life and presence.
Thank you, Matt for sharing your gifts with us. You made so many of us so happy on so many occasions.
"Rusty"
Chris Palmer
October 17, 2010
I've known your music through the Taylor Hicks band this past year and have been greatly enriched from hearing and seeing you play. Rest in peace Matt, and prayers of comfort to all of your friends, bandmates and family.
Matt Kimbrell
Margaret Day
October 16, 2010
Matt in rite corner..
June Mooney
October 16, 2010
So sorry to hear of this loss. I met Matt through The Taylor Hicks Band and will remember him as a very talented guy, whose smile was noticed!RIP Junebug
Lanae Brooks
October 15, 2010
So sad to hear of Matt's sudden passing ! He blessed his fans with his gift of music and will be remembered for years to come. Praying for Matt's family, friends and bandmates. You will be missed !
hickifino
October 15, 2010
I found Matt through Taylor HIcks and thoroughly enjoyed Matt as a talented musician, joyful entertainer, and sweet humble person. After seeing his skilled and exhuberant performances last weekend, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his unexpected passing. May God bless his family, friends, and fans as we cope with his loss.
Lydia
October 15, 2010
I only knew Matt through his music, but that alone told me so much about him. Thank you for the music, Matt. God speed.
October 15, 2010
I was so sad to hear the news of Matt's passing.
October 15, 2010
So sadden by the news of Matt's passing. I am merely a fan who has been touched by his calm presence and beguiling grin on stage. To those who knew him well; I offer condolences.
Cathy Hancock (tthc)
October 15, 2010
I was sitting at Epcot last week-end thinking how much Matt's performance on percussion enriched the entire performance of the band. He and his talent is a great loss to all of us. My heart goes out to his family and friends in this time of sorrow.....Connie (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)
October 15, 2010
I first met Matt in Cleveland and after spending some time chatting, found him to be a wonderfully warm and talented individual, with a great sense of humor! He is going to be missed by so many who knew and cared for him. The music world has lost a great one and so have we all.
My sincerest condolences to the family. Thank you, Matt for all the gifts you brought us.
Barbie Makris
October 15, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 14, 2010
Matt - I never met you ...but you have touched my friend John White, and therefore me too....I have no words that haven't already been said ...but my words haven't been said , so sleep in peace from me Matt, that's what I wish for you..<3
John White
October 14, 2010
Words cannot express the feeling of loss.
Thank you for all the joy you brought with your quiet but happy demeanor. You will be sorely missed, Matt. Safe in His hands you are now.
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