Larry "Papa" Wade Kitchens

Born on December 24, 1941, in Utica, MS, Larry was the epitome of a country gentleman. He was born in a house on a hill with a white picket fence and surrounded by trees. He enjoyed 12 years at Utica Schools. He married his high school sweetheart. He was a Mississippi State alumnus. He was a Captain in the Army. He was a cowboy. He was a fierce competitor on the tennis court. He was a wildly successful father. He was a business owner. He was a story-teller. He was slow to anger and quick with kindness. He was called "Papa" by family and so many whom he treated as family. And he was called "friend" by an endless crowd of more.

Larry served his country as a Captain in the United States Army Chemical Corp. and continued his service in the Reserves. His military associations were an integral part of his life, and he embraced the camaraderie and discipline that came with his service.

After his military career, Larry pursued various ventures, leaving his mark as a successful business owner. He was the proud owner of Carpenter Fertilizer Company and co-owner of Anderson River Oak Lumber Company. Additionally, he established Kitchens Unique, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Larry had a passion for porch sitting and collecting. He found solace and joy in spending time on the porch with Mellany, his wife of 62 years, taking in the beauty of nature and sharing stories with loved ones. Papa's collection was a testament to his curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. Larry also relished a good game of golf and a better game of tennis. His garden was his pride and joy. But nothing made him happier than the abundance of memories he created with his grandchildren.

Papa's warm and kind-hearted nature endeared him to many. He was known for his storytelling abilities and his ability to make others feel like family. The moniker of "Papa" was well-earned and the title of friend doubly so. His generosity and compassion knew no bounds, and he was a true friend to all who knew him.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Lenon Wade Kitchens, and his mother, Idabel Lorance Kitchens. Their memory will forever live on through him.

Larry will be deeply missed by his surviving family members, including his wife Mellany Kitchens, his brother Denny Kitchens (Ginny), sister Carole Morrison (Gary), brother Kent Kitchens (Pam), son Mark Kitchens (Cathy), son Chris Kitchens (Andrea), son Lenon Kitchens (Raven), adopted son W.Q. Bradley (Milady), granddaughter Ragan Haas, granddaughter Kirsten Hill, grandson Connor Kitchens, granddaughter Cameron Kitchens, and grandson Sebastian Kitchens.

A memorial service to celebrate Larry's life will be held at Utica Christian Church in Utica, MS on December 13, 2023 with visitation at 10am and the service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude in honor of Larry's memory. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Papa are invited to attend and celebrate his remarkable journey.

Larry Wade Kitchens will forever be remembered as Papa, a man who embodied kindness, strength, and the true spirit of a gentleman. His stories and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Kitchens family.