Kenneth Foster Kilgore

Sunrise August 21, 1948 -Sunset April 21, 2020

Kenneth Foster Kilgore was born on August 21, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Vivian and Foster Kilgore. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Dallas, Texas to live with his late Great Aunt Myrtle Furlough and his Grandmother Mable Musa who helped to develop him and shape his life. He was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, Texas where he excelled in Band and ROTC. He matriculated to the University of North Texas where he earned a B.S. in Business. While in college, during a visit to the library he met a young library aid who would become the love of his life. He summoned the courage to ask her out on a date and since that day he never left her side. On October 18, 1975, Deborah McCullough and Kenneth Kilgore were married at Lambuth United Methodist Church. Deborah calls him her “knight in shining armor”, who always pulled out her chair and opened her door.

Raising a family was the focus of Kenneth’s life. On November 14, 1979, they had their first child Kencheska. Two years later on January 20, 1982, the couple had their second child Keivin. As a devoted father and grandfather, Kenneth spent countless hours at sporting events, dance recitals, plays, and band performances. Whether working as a booster or cheering in the audience, he always had great pride in everything his kids and grandkids did.

In 1985, Kenneth started several franchises of Spinners Pizza stores throughout Arlington. As one of the few Black business owners in the community, he provided job opportunities and food to youth in the area. Following this business venture, Kenneth continued his career with Fidelity Investments until he reduced his time at work for health reasons. He finished his career with Nielson Corporation in Dallas. While there, he received several awards and was highly regarded by his peers.

Faith was the foundation of his life. Kenneth accepted Christ at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. In 1981, he and his family joined St. Paul United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas. While there, he served for several years as the Chairman of the Administrative Board and as a Steward. During his tenure, he played a major role in the reconstruction of one of the oldest African American churches in Texas and spearheaded several initiatives to grow the ministry. In 1991, Kenneth and his family joined his current church home, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. There he served as a Church Ambassador and as a member of the Comfort and Care Ministry. He particularly enjoyed his Men’s Small Group Fellowship, which ministered to men of all ages. Many members of the group looked to Ken as a mentor in their spiritual life and walk with Christ.

The Bible teaches us that a man of God, “shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalms 1:3). So it is with the legacy of Kenneth Kilgore which is continued through his devoted wife of 44 years Deborah Kilgore; his children Kencheska Jackson (Darius), Keivin Kilgore (Demeka); his sisters Renee Blanks (Dante) and Marcie Kilgore Billups; his Sisters- and Brothers-in-Law Lutisha Blanton (Robert), Lawrence McCullough (Delores), Ollie Farrell, Cornelius McCullough, Vanester McCullough, Joyce Washington (Willie), Danita McCullough, Dwight McCullough (Flora), Sharon McCullough, Dr. Victor McCullough (Nancy); his grandchildren Dylan Jackson, Reese Jackson, and Mekeinzie Kilgore; his uncles and aunts Shirley Moore (Billy), Jerrie Hawkins (Wendell), Linda Gilstrap, Gary Kilgore, Kenneth Kilgore, and an array of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

As a comfort to his children, he often said: “where ever you are, and whatever you are doing if you just look in the corner, I will be right there.” Like a Guardian Angel, he supported and protected his loved ones. So while we may have physically lost our beloved, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend; it is on faith and belief that as he promised, he will always be right there for us. He is now in the everlasting hands of God where he is peacefully at rest.