Richard Wilson "Dick" Kitchens

1948 - 2024

Richard Wilson "Dick" Kitchens, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, mentor, leader, servant, coach, friend and child of The King, 75, of Tifton, Georgia passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 4, 2024. He was born on July 15, 1948 in Byromville, Georgia to the late Orren William Kitchens, Jr. and Mary Grace Rodgers Kitchens.

Dick attended Vienna High School, University of Georgia, and graduated from Valdosta State College in 1972 with a B.S. degree in accounting and married the love of his life Rebecca "Becky" Hicks Kitchens of Cairo, Georgia. The couple moved to Cordele, Ga., and then to Vienna, Ga., for seven years where their three girls were born before moving to their home in Tifton.

His lifelong career in business was in accounting, auditing, clients' tax preparation, and insurance which took him to Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Dick worked for Household Finance Company, New York Life Insurance, EBCO, and Donald Eason.

His lifelong passion was his service to his Church and being an umpire and referee at high school football games. He was a member of Tifton's First United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent for 15 years, on the FUMC Administrative Board, Finance Committee, Sunday School teacher, and Mentor for the youth through the Youth Confirmation. In addition, Dick was a member of the Gideons and enjoyed every aspect of their fellowship and service to others.
His career officiating on the football field included Football Official of the Year 2007, GAOA Official of the Year for the State of Georgia in 2012, Touchdown Club of Atlanta George Gardner Award in 2011, and over 100 playoff games for the Georgia High School Association. Dick was also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Dick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rebecca (Becky) Hicks Kitchens; his children Susannah Kitchens Cowart (Jake) of St. James City, Florida, Molly Kitchens Turner (Jason) of Tifton, and Caroline Kitchens of Lawrenceville, Ga. His sister Mary Anna Kitchens Ingram (Billy) and his brother, William Rodgers (Roddy) Kitchens (Scotta). His grandson Landon Grant Turner, his nephews Jason Kitchens and William Cliford Kitchens ( Cliff), and his nieces Karen Kitchens Hogg and Kathy Kitchens Billings (Josh).

If desired, flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church Youth Fund, 107 12th Street West, Tifton, Ga. 31794.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Tifton's First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Page Cemetery in Byromville at 4:30 p.m.