Robert Weeks Kitchel

Robert Weeks Kitchel, age 94, died on February 18, 2025, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Lloyd Kitchel and Helen Weeks Kitchel of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, brother of the late Helen Lloyd Kitchel Gawthrop (McGill) of Hockessin, Delaware and brother of the late William Lloyd Kitchel (Polly) of Greenville, Delaware. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Emily Fletcher Kitchel, his adoring daughters Emily Kitchel DeCamp (William) of Nashville and Helen Kitchel Fuqua (Alexander) of Atlanta, cherished grandchildren William Wood DeCamp, Jr., Robert Kitchel DeCamp, Martha Stewart Fuqua Joiner (Dallis), Emily Fletcher Fuqua, Leila Harwell Fuqua, great-grandson Stephen Dallis Joiner, Jr., and ten nieces and nephews.

Bob was born on September 14, 1930, in Islip, New York and grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He attended the Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated from the Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut where he was captain of the tennis team. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from The University of Virginia. He was president of Chi Psi fraternity and a member of Tilka. From 1954 until 1960, he was employed by the Hercules Powder Company of Wilmington, Delaware. He was a member of the Wilmington Country Club and a former chairman and longtime supporter of the Bachelors Committee of Wilmington. He was a past member of the University Club of New York. Upon his marriage to Emily in 1960, he moved to Nashville. Bob was President and Owner of E.S. Brugh Company, which he sold to Crichton, Perry and Brandon in 1988 and became Vice President of that company until his retirement. He was a devoted member of St. George’s Episcopal Church where he served for 21 years on the Vestry and as Senior Warden. He was a member of the Belle Meade Country Club and past president of the Exchange Club of Nashville (now the Economic Club.) He was also Chairman of the Board and past recipient of the Dede Bullard Wallace award of The Harpeth Hall School, a member of the Board of The Ensworth School, and a member of the Board of Cheekwood.

Bobby was an avid tennis player and won numerous club, state, and senior titles. He and Emily loved to travel and have fond memories of trips abroad. There were also very special times shared with family and friends in Sea Island, Georgia and Delray Beach, Florida.

His family is grateful for the longtime care of therapist Kim Kreid as well as Shelia Royster, Cherlie Lausier, Janice Hamer, and Latrice Jones.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Nashville at 1:30 pm followed by a reception at Belle Meade Country Club from 3-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205, The Ensworth School, 7401 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221, The Harpeth Hall School, 3801 Hobbs Road, Nashville, TN 37215, or the charity of your choice.