Ben Foy Kickliter

1929 - 2010

On Sunday, September 5, 2010, God smiled on Ben Kickliter, age 81, and called him home after a lengthy illness.

Ben was born in Lyons, Georgia, on April 6, 1929. Preceding him in death were his parents, Andrew R. and Kate Pye Kickliter, and his siblings A. R. Jr., Earl, Ray, and Ralph. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann; his children Robert Marc, Martin David (Jona), and Michael Scott. Ben is also survived by two grandsons, Jordan and Trevor, one granddaughter, Morgan.

Ben graduated from Lyons High School, Lyons, Georgia, at age 16 with honors. He attended the University of Georgia for one year before moving to Pensacola in 1947 to work for Gulf Power Company as a surveyor helper. Ben answered the call of his country and served in the Army during the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1953 prior to entering the University of Florida. In 1956 he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering with high honors and returned to Gulf Power Company as an engineer. During his career he was instrumental in the design and construction of the current Gulf Power corporate office building and active in numerous community organizations. Ben worked forty years until his retirement in 1989 as Vice President of Operations. After retirement, his interests included fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, and especially the Florida Gators.

Ben was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pensacola, a 42nd degree Mason and member of the Optimist Club.

The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM, preceding a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM on Thursday, September 9, 2010, at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway. Dr. Barry Howard, pastor of First Baptist Church, will conduct the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolence Fund of First Baptist Church of Pensacola, 500 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 or Covenant Hospice West Florida Care Center 3 North, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL 32514.

You may give your condolences at www.bayviewmemorials.com

Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.