On Friday, December 7, 2018, at the age of 71, Gary Frank Kitchens, raced into Jesus’ open arms while surrounded by the love of his life, Sharon, and three daughters, Wendy, Stacy, and Kelly. He was born on June 28, 1947 in Tyler, Texas to the late Frank Kitchens and Mildred Griffith Kitchens.
Gary was a 1965 graduate of John Tyler High School where he played football, basketball, and ran track. While in high school, he also enjoyed roping calves and learning how to break horses. After high school, he attended Texas A&M University and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in May, 1969. While at Texas A&M on a football scholarship, Gary was a defensive end where he and his teammates won the 1967 Southwest Conference championship title, allowing them to play in the 1968 Cotton Bowl and defeat Alabama.
Gary had a distinguished and accomplished 32 year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, now known as AT&T, Inc. that spanned from 1969 to 2001. During his service, he had the privilege to lead and manage numerous teams while working with thousands of people throughout the company. Gary relentlessly attributed his rewarding career to the Good Lord who brought into his life amazing people to work with, to teach him, and to help the organization achieve success. His title and scope of responsibility at the time of retirement was President, Network Services for Ameritech, Corporation.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sharon, and his 3 daughters: Wendy Elmore and husband Brad, Stacy Kitchens, and Kelly Wofford and husband Clint. Gary also leaves behind his 6 grandchildren that he loved so much: Katie Phillips and husband Lance, Hunter Hicks, Haley Hicks, Maddie Wofford, James Mays, and Cade Wofford, along with 2 great grandchildren: Riley Phillips and Jax Phillips. Gary is survived by his mother, Mildred Kitchens; brother, Kim Kitchens, as well as a niece, numerous nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.
Gary was a faithful and active member of Flower Mound United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities with his last and favorite role being the president of the Sojourners Sunday School class. He loved his church family immensely and was blessed by the outpouring of love and support shown to him and Sharon since they joined the congregation in 2001.
A memorial service honoring and celebrating the life of Gary Kitchens will be on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Flower Mound United Methodist Church (3950 Bruton Orand Boulevard, Flower Mound, TX 75022) with a reception immediately following in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Flower Mound United Methodist Church Building Fund; using the hotlink below or by mail at 3950 Bruton Orand Boulevard; Flower Mound, TX 75022; 972-355-2711; or give a donation to a charity of your choice.
