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Raymond Kickliter Obituary
Raymond Lawton Kickliter died on February 14, 2016, in the Westminster Oaks Health Center after a lengthy illness. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held in the Maguire Center at Westminster Oaks on Saturday, February 27 at 3:00 p.m. with Brant Copeland, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, presiding. A reception and visitation with family will follow in the Maguire Center.
Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann Potter (Patsy), a son, Keith (Vicki), daughter, Laura (Rex), brother, Bill (Ann), sister, Sharon Flower, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and beloved grandson, Clay. Born December 19, 1933, in Tampa, Ray was the son of Curtis and Bonnie Kickliter. He graduated from Hillsborough High School and then attended Florida State School of Music, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Choral Music Education. After serving in the U.S. Air Force for three years, Ray did graduate work at Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville. He returned to Tallahassee in 1966 to become the Choral Director at Leon High School, a position he held for 22 years. After four years as Choral Director at Godby High School, he retired from the Leon County School system in 1993. Countless students have developed a lifelong love of singing thanks to the leadership and training provided by Ray Kickliter. He created a "tradition in a song" at Leon High that continues to this day.
Ray was active in Sigma Chi Fraternity, the Florida Vocal Association (FVA), the Florida Music Educatiors Association (FMEA), and the American Choral Director's Association (ACDA). He held the office of President for FVA and FMEA, and was Treasurer for many years for the Florida ACDA. In 2002 ACDA awarded Ray Kickliter the Wayne Hugoboom Award for outstanding service and in 2012 he was inducted into the FVA Hall of Fame. Under his leadership the Florida Vocal Association instituted the first All State Reading Choir in the nation and began a progressive movement to implement World Music into school music programs. Ray was Leon High School's Teacher of the Year, 1986-1987.
Ray and Patsy are members of First Presbyterian Church where Ray served as a Choir Director, Elder and chaired many committees for the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Pre-School at First Presbyterian Church, 110 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, Florida 32301; Westminster Oaks Benevolent Fund, 4449 Meandering Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32308; or the Alzheimer's Project, 301 E. Tharpe St., Tallahassee, Florida 32303.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers in the Health Center of Westminster Oaks who lovingly cared for Ray during this lengthy illness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Kickliter
Joy Pierce Mathews
June 27, 2024
I will always remember Mr. Kickliter as a thoughtful, focused, and effective teacher whose goals for each of his students musically and as people got us to achieve more than we would have done without his wisdoms. My experience as his student has been part of an artistic / musical foundation that has enriched my entire life. Even now, at age 64, I think of him often. I always will.
Joy Pierce Mathews
Class of 1977
Carol Spell Frye
February 13, 2024
Just the mention of his name, brings a smile to my face and loving memories. It´s been 53-54 years and I remember so many great memories. From Melodears, to Allstate Chorus to the very first two musicals at Leon. Thank you Mr. Kickliter"Ray", for giving me such Joy in High School
Kristopher Baker
September 21, 2016
Mr. Kickliter came to mind this morning and I thought to look him up. As so many have said he instilled in me a love for music that I carry to this day. As a 40 year old man I am now looking back at how much he loved us. He shared so much of his heart, his passion, and his talents. I am so sad that I won't be able to get in touch with him now. He was such a good man. May you rest in peace Mr. Raymond Kickliter. Thank you for the beautiful, kind legacy you left behind in our hearts.
Cherlania Brown
February 27, 2016
Mr kickliter thank u for being such an impact in my life. You taught me how to embrace music w passion. You taught me so much. When I auditioned for Porgy and Bess I saw u in my audition telling me to remember to have fun sing from ur diaphragm sing w confidence and passion. I got the part as the strawberry woman. I was so proud. Thank u I will always look to you in heaven to guide me in my music. Love u and I will truly miss you.
Pam (McAuley) Webb
February 26, 2016
I was not as close to Mr. K as others. I think because I was somewhat intimidated by him. I do remember a situation that stands out. The first when I auditioned for Caps/Melodears I can still hear his voice saying "I can close my eyes and hear Olivia Newton John". Well I took that as a wonderful compliment. However; he was not a big fan of "breathiness". So it may not have been. But I choose to think it was. He was always kind and soft spoken to me. Also, Ms. K, I remember seeing you at the reunion several years ago and was so surprised that you actually knew who I was. Both of you special beyond words and have left impressions on so many lives. I still sing today and was able to be at my Daddys bed side and usher him into Heaven with It Is Well With My Soul. Now Mr. K. suffers no more and it is well with his soul. God Bless to the Family! You are loved!
February 26, 2016
To Patsy and the family - what wonderful memories we all have of Ray. He was a most unique individual. His leadership was truly appreciated in all its forms. No one else has every been quite so eloquent with words the way Ray was. We loved him.
Elaine McNamara
Judy Steverson
February 25, 2016
What a loss, but what a legacy this talented man leaves to inspire us all to always be at our best. I cherish happy memories of our days as colleagues at Leon. Always with "Pride."
Sarah Holmes
February 25, 2016
Beyond fostering my love of music and confidence in performing, Ray Kickliter created a living testament to the fact that the whole was so much greater than the sum of our parts. And he inspired us to be bigger, brighter and more fearless than we knew we could be. What a gift that was and continues to be.
Sarah Lindsey Holmes
Class of 1984
Jim Sabourin
February 25, 2016
Ray was one of the alumni advisors to our Sigma Chi chapter when I was at FSU. I remember him for his big heart and love of music. Rest in peace, Brother Ray, and God bless the Kickliter family.
garrison key
February 24, 2016
im sorry to hear of Mr. Kickliters death. my thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Henry Polombo
February 24, 2016
Dear Patsy and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Kickliter was more than a music teacher to me. He was my mentor and inspiration in music and in life. He inspired me to go beyond my comfort zone so I could reap the benefits of excellence. That changed my life. Mary and I can't imagine the depth of your loss, but we will pray for you and your family.
Jeneane Schultz
February 24, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to the Kickliter family from the Kaiser/Schultz families. I sure wish I could be there on Saturday to share in the memories of such a wonderful man, but other obligations are keeping me in Houston this weekend. Love to all.
Barbara Moore
February 23, 2016
Because of the Kickliters, so many voices were trained, singing so many songs. The world has so much more singing in it. It is, and will continue to be, a far better place because they made it so.
Bryan Caruthers
February 22, 2016
How many times I have thought back to Mr. Kickliter and Capital Singers. For many of us, those are the special memories and all because of a truly dynamic and loving person. To the entire Kickliter family my condolences.
Deborah Zahner
February 21, 2016
Dearest Patsy, I know you have lost the love of your life after his long struggle. May God bless every sweet memory and comfort you every step of the way. We are all so thankful for Ray's leadership and willingness to mentor those of us in FVA and ACDA, always generous with his insight and advice. We thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. Please know how dearly you are loved and held up in the prayers of so many.
Steve Kujawa
February 20, 2016
God's peace and consolations to all of you on Ray's passing. It was a blessing to have known him and I am particularly grateful to him for mentoring me during my practicum semester before internship at FSU. His love of God, his family, his students, and his friends continue to inspire me in my faith and in my teaching career as well. Thank you, Ray, for being an inspiration to all of us. I will remember him and all of you at Mass and in my daily prayers.
Yours in Christ,
February 20, 2016
Patsy, you and Ray were a wonderful couple and inspiration to so many. Praying for you and your family! Brenda and Mark Scott
Marilyn (Head) Wirsz
February 20, 2016
Patsy,
We are praying for you & the family! Ray was a dear friend for many many years. He touched so many lives. May God be near you as you adjust to life without your dear one!
Shelli Long
February 20, 2016
Patsy, I'm so sorry for your loss and the loss to the choral world. His legacy will live on through the many, many students' lives he and you both touched over the years.
Pam Mason Sobodowski
February 20, 2016
Patsy, Laura, and other family members: I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Ray from the various Zeta functions he attended with Patsy, and always found him to be a wonderful addition to any gathering. I know that he was also a very inspirational leader in all things musical. God bless each of you as you release him to our heavenly Father. Warmest thoughts, Pam Mason Sobodowski.
Sue (Gauding) Shoemaker
February 20, 2016
Patsy,
I'm so sorry for your loss! Ray was a wonderful man and loved by many! I have you and your family in my prayers!
Pamela Ryan
February 20, 2016
Dear Patsy and family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He is fondly remembered by many.
Madeline Parra Friedman
February 20, 2016
Sending thoughts and prayers to Mr. Kicklighter's family. He was an amazing teacher and mentor and made a huge impression on me as a teenager. Mr. Kicklighter was by far my absolute favorite teacher. Perfect balance of caring and tough love. Such a wonderful person.
Tiffany Harnage
February 20, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family Patsy. I will never forget Ray and his influence over so many in musical theatre at Leon and with Entertainment Plus. He inspired us to love music.
Sally Lewis
February 20, 2016
Mrs. Kickliter,
Thinking of you and sending prayers your way...as I remember how much I enjoyed chorus at Cobb and having you as a music teacher. Blessings on you and your family...
Heather Oller
February 19, 2016
We love you! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mark, Heather, Bailey and Briley Oller
Teal Hunt Mitchell
February 19, 2016
Many of the adults who made a lifelong impression on me were teachers. Most of them came from Leon High School. Mr. K was unique: strict yet understanding, demanding yet compassionate. He certainly took his role as a teacher and mentor very seriously for which I am forever grateful. I have quoted him numerous times to my 4 children telling them, "You make time for the things you want to do." He certainly made time for us. I think that it what inspired me and John Brown to pen the last verse of the Midwinter anthem in 1978 we used to sing at Christmas. It has stuck with Capital Singers all these years...
We shall long remember
As we go apart
All we shared together
And how it changed each heart
This, our own, our anthem
That we must now pass on
More than words and harmony
Tradition in a song
We love you Ray and Patsy!
Chris Bryant
February 19, 2016
Mr. Kickliter was truly passionate about music, and shared that passion of music with thousands of students in his career. I still benefit from his gift of music appreciation to this day.
Janice White
February 19, 2016
My prayers and condolences go out to all of the family. May God give you peace and comfort at this time of sadness.
Wanda Brister
February 19, 2016
Ray was a darling man who loved music and musicians passionately. Although I met him just before he was taken over by this illness, I enjoyed lengthy and meaningful talks. He was a wonderful mentor as long as he was able to express himself. I cannot imagine the thousands of lives he has touched through his teaching and his students' teaching. Rest in Peace, dear Ray.
Marie Jackson
February 19, 2016
I admired this man so much. He was so caring and loved his students and music with such a passion. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Claire Geohagan Neely
February 19, 2016
Privileged to have had both Kickliter's as teachers. He will be missed.
February 19, 2016
Prayers to the family. As a 1981 Leon High School graduate, I fondly remember my choral days and the musicals that I participated in. Thank you Mr. Kickliter for your contribution to all the many students whose lives you touched.
Holly mcHugh-Mai
Jennifer Wynot
February 19, 2016
Ray was my chorus teacher at Leon. I will remember his instilling not only the technical aspects of the music, but the love and passion for the music.
Cindy Jones Jacobs
February 19, 2016
My life has been forever changed because you cared so much. There are no words to express my love, and admiration for you and all you did. Thank you. Forever.
February 19, 2016
Ray K certainly had a positive impact on many and is held in the highest regard by all. To the family - thank you for sharing Ray with the hundreds if not thousands of us he touched so deeply.
Patricia Kinsey McGinnis
February 19, 2016
God Bless the family!!
Patricia McGinnis
February 19, 2016
Oh how I always looked forward to chorus at Leon with you as our instructor.....you were great teacher and taught us well !! No monkey business but we had fun!! You will be missed.....you will again have a choir in Heaven singing beautifully!!! But no pain... Rest in peace Mr. Kickliter...God Rest Your Soul!!
Patricia Kinsey McGinnis
Class of 1968
Carol Spell Frye
February 19, 2016
I will always remember his love of music and his students. I loved his leadership in the first two musicals at Leon and Melodears and All State Chorus. He will always be remembered. Leon 68-70
Fred Conrad
February 19, 2016
Godspeed my friend and musical mentor. You will forever be a musical giant to me and many others who continued with music long after we left the chorus room at Leon High. While saddened to hear of your passing, I am comforted that you are now reunited with my mother in heaven. I have no doubt you are singing praises to our Savior to the accompaniment of Mom's golden piano.
February 19, 2016
the best teacher and a very nice man.
Jo Penrose
Brian Poulson
February 19, 2016
As the youngest of three brothers growing up in Betton Hills, I remember the squabbles and fights and the distance between us. In 1979, Leon performed the musical "The Pajama Game," and all three of us were in it. Ray showed us how to work together for the whole team, and we grew closer because of it. Shortly thereafter Britt went to Troy State and I joined the Army, and we all went our separate ways. My closest and favorite memories of my brothers are from that auditorium, and are due to Ray's dedication to us. I thank Ray and Patsy for all the love they showed me.
Tamesha Graham
February 19, 2016
You will truly be missed
Michael Linzy
February 18, 2016
Mr. Kickliter loved teaching music and we loved him because he took time with each student to help them be as good as they could be. Mr. Kickliter, there was no one else like you.
Michael Linzy. Class of 1977
edna butler
February 18, 2016
Mr. Kickliter was the very best I csn hear him now instructing us in a music exercise Me may ma moe moo I enjoyed his class very much!!! Mrs. Kickliter, God bless you all and my prayers are with you all.
Peace be with you
Edna Butler
Leon High School
Class of 1976
Jeff Graham
February 18, 2016
You were the best and we will all miss you. God Bless you and I know you are leading the choir of Angels in Heaven.
Anna Lovcy
February 18, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Mr. Kickliter was one of the few teachers that would take a few minutes to talk with students who were not in his music classes. His love of music really rubbed off on so many students who were not in his classes. He'll be sorely missed.
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