William Curtis Kickliter

“A TIME TO BE BORN”

William Curtis Kickliter was born in an active Christian home in Tampa, FL, on September 23, 1927. He was the son of the late Curtis M. and Bonnie Belle Kickliter.

“A TIME TO PLANT”

Bill accepted Christ at age 11. As a boy, he received many honors in his church as well as in Boy Scouts where he reached Eagle Scout with the Bronze Palm award. He was also a member of the Explorer Scouting Troop. He was taught by his parents to work hard and earn his own way in life with the help of his Lord. Bill was a World War II and Korean War Veteran. After graduation from Hillsboro High School in Tampa, he immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was assigned to the Far East Air Force during the occupation of Japan at Tokyo for 28 months. During the Korean War, he was assigned to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa where he became part of the Honor Guard, serving military families throughout Florida.

“A TIME TO BUILD”

After his initial military service, Bill enrolled in the University of Tampa, pursuing a degree in business administration. However, his college experience was interrupted after two years when he was recalled during the Korean War and served his country. Upon discharge, Bill studied business courses that would enhance his God-given talents. During his career, he worked mainly in public relations, first as Manager of the Coin Telephone program with the General Telephone Company and later as local Telephone Manager with Intercounty Telephone Company. He was an Ordinary Life and Health Insurance broker and later, in Tallahassee, FL, a field consultant for the Florida Credit Union League. He later served the State of Florida as Assistant Director of Tourism and as a securities analyst for the Department of Banking and Finance.

“A TIME TO LOVE”

On June 20, 1953, Bill married his best friend, Anna Ruth Owen at Riverside Baptist Church in Tampa, where they had fallen in love. In their 69 years of marriage, they enjoyed serving the Lord in various churches. God truly gave Bill a virtuous woman whose price was far above rubies (Prov. 31:10). They had one daughter, Karen Kickliter Simmons, who had Brian Simmons and Brittany Simmons Johnson. After retirement, Bill and his wife traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world.

“A TIME TO SOW”

After Bill and his wife retired, God led them to Jackson Bluff Community Church in Lake Talquin, FL where Bill served as Interim Pastor, leading services while Anna taught Sunday School and played the organ and piano. They served three different churches during their time of ministry. Bill also actively served the Lord through the ministry of The Gideons International, participating in Bible distributions and other services. He was also an active part of many community service organizations, specializing in fund-raising activities.

“A TIME TO DIE”

Bill Kickliter left his earthly home at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, FL, to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 28, 2025 at age 98. The celebration of Bill’s home-going will be held on October 10, 2025 at 2pm at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Rd. in Tallahassee, FL, with visitation beginning at 1pm. A graveside service with military honors will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Gideons International or Immanuel Baptist Church of Tallahassee, FL.

Read Romans 10:9-11. Your life will depend on it!