Talmadge Kicklighter

Talmadge Kicklighter departed this world July 27, 2017 to enter his heavenly home to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Talmadge came into this world along with his twin brother, Tillman, on October 20, 1932 in Glennville, Georgia, at the hands of his parents, William Allen Kicklighter and Mercer Magnolia Strickland. Talmadge moved along with his family to Tampa, Florida in the mid-forties. He attended Benjamin Franklin Junior High and Hillsborough High School. Talmadge was a member of the Florida National Guard from 21 June to 26 December 1950 and enlisted in the United States Air Force on 27 November 1950. He serviced in California and Japan and was honorably discharged on 19 November 1953. Talmadge returned to Tampa and began a career with American Can Company. After retirement from American Can, he worked with Food Equipment Supply for a few years and then he started his own business, Action Alarm Systems, installing building alarm systems. On 4 October 1957, Talmadge married the love of his life, Joyce Thomas. They enjoyed almost sixty years together and two sons, Paul Russell (Rusty) and James William (Billy). Talmadge and his family moved from Tampa to Valrico in 1973 where they built a wonderful home. Talmadge served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at several churches with the last one being SonLife Baptist church in Valrico where he served as Deacon. Talmadge was a member of the Temple Terrace Masonic Lodge and the United Steel Workers of America, Local 2120. Talmadge was preceeded in death by his father and mother; his brothers William, Herman, John and Tillman Kicklighter; and his sisters Vivian Barrow and Nell Willoughby. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his two sons, Rusty (Rebecca) and Billy (Sylvia); and many, many other relatives and friends. A celebration of life will be Saturday, August 5, 2017 at SonLife Baptist church, Valrico, Florida. Visitation will be at 10 AM and the services will be at 11 AM. After the services, Talmadge will be laid to rest at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon, Florida. Talmadge did not want flowers at his funeral. Joyce requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Talmadge's name to his beloved church, SonLife Baptist Church, 4020 East Lumsden Road, Valrico, Florida 33594.