Kevin Pake

Kevin Ray Pake passed away on March 7, 2025. Kevin Pake was a man whose kindness, creativity, and infectious personality touched the lives of everyone he met. He was one of the most genuine, personable, and talented individuals, whose sense of humor and positive outlook could light up any room.

Kevin was born on July 18, 1968 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Betty Gilpin (Pake) Dowling and S. Lee Pake, Jr.

In 1990, Kevin graduated with a B.A. in Graphic Design and Marketing from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. In 1994, Kevin earned a Graduate Degree in Computer Science and Art from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA.

Kevin’s career began in Atlanta, GA, in corporate marketing and graphic design with Ernst and Young. In 2002, Kevin joined his father at Pake Realty, where he quickly became an integral part of the business. His contributions were invaluable in helping the company grow, and he built strong connections throughout the community. Kevin quickly grasped the business and launched his career as a real estate entrepreneur by founding his own company.

A longtime member of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Tuscaloosa, Kevin was extremely active in the Association at the local, state and national levels, including serving as the 2023 HBA of Alabama President. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Alabama State Representative to the National Association of Home Builders as well as HBAA Past State Presidents Chair.

Even outside of work, Kevin’s versatile artistic abilities shined brightly. Whether he was designing t-shirts, album covers, or logos, Kevin was always eager to generously lend his creative talent to family and friends. Kevin’s artistic touch can be found in most friends' and family’s most cherished possessions.

Beyond his work in visual arts, Kevin was also an accomplished musician, a self-taught percussionist, and an electric entertainer. He played a key role in KUNG FU GRIPP, a sought after eclectic cover band that performed numerous crowd-pleasing shows. Kevin poured his heart and soul into the band, his co-band members remarking that he helped shape the band into what it is today.

More than anything, Kevin was known for being a loving brother, father, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. Those who knew Kevin well will always remember him as someone who never met a stranger. He was a bright light in everyone’s life, treating everyone with the same love and respect as he would his own family. Kevin was also the definition of authenticity, with his genuine personality and confidence in who he was leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Kevin’s optimism, kindness, creativity, and zest for life will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother and father; grandparents, Rose and Robert (Chick) Gilpin and Julia and Lee Pake; Aunt Sandy Gilpin Shubin and cousin Jon Shubin.

Kevin leaves behind his beloved son, Jack Pake; brother Lee Pake (Wendy) of Mooresville, NC; nephews Reed Pake of Pittsburgh, PA and Graham Pake of Charleston, SC; Aunt and Uncle, Jean and Larry Tashlik, Navarre, FL; Uncle Stuart Shubin (Connie) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Jack’s mother, Michelle Pake of Atlanta, GA; cousins Alyson Lapes (Brian), Amy Caplan (Brad) and Joy Sage (Rob); and friends who were all like family, too many to list.

Kevin’s graveside service will be held on Wednesday, 2:00 pm (CT) at Evergreen Cemetery, 12th Street, Tuscaloosa with Rabbi Steve Jacobs officiating..

Honorary pallbearers include Pake Realty staff and partners, HBA colleagues, Kung Fu Gripp band members, and University of Alabama ZBT brothers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in memory of Kevin, to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation, University of Alabama Hillel, or the American Heart Association via the links or addresses provided below.

Heritage Chapel is serving the Pake family.