William Joseph Kitchings Sr.

William J. Kitchings, Sr., (Bill & Yank), was born on January 28, 1931 and he passed away on July 21st, 2018. He was preceded in death by his father B.C. Kitchings, Sr., mother Mary Louise Bethune Kitchings, brothers B.C. Kitchings, Jr., Howard Kitchings, sisters Willie Otradovec & Yvonne Rasberry and daughter Julie Kay Kitchings Shaw. He is survived by his wife, Alice Kitchings, sons William J. Kitchings, Jr., (Lynn) and Robert Bethune Kitchings (Carrie), son-in-law Tim Shaw, grandsons Blake Kitchings (April) and Lawson Shaw, and granddaughters Kelsey Kitchings Sweeny (Devon) and Kayla Shaw, and great granddaughter, Cameron Hope Kitchings. Bill was a graduate of West End High School in Birmingham, Al, and graduated from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Al, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. While a student at U of A, Bill was a member of VP 681 Naval Air Station in B’ham, Al. In February of 1955, he volunteered and entered NAV-CAD (Naval Aviation Cadet Program). After 4 months of pre-flight school in Pensacola, FL, he soloed out of Whiting Field in Milton, FL. Bill was commissioned an Ensign in the USNR and after flight training, he completed carrier landing aboard the USS Saipan and qualified as a Naval Carrier pilot on March 9th, 1956. After Pensacola, he was transferred to Corpus Christi, TX and later to the Naval Utility Squadron Five at Atsugi, Japan. While at the Naval Air Station Atsugi, he was the Assistant Personnel Officer, later became the Personnel Officer, and finally the Administrative Officer of his squadron. While at Atsugi, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant JG and was honorably discharged in 1958. In civilian life, he became an Electrical Contractor and owner of Kitchings Electric Co. Inc. He was instrumental in training numerous electricians & electrical contractors. Being an early resident of Hoover – Green Valley, he was a charter member of the Lions Club of Hoover – Green Valley. Bill was a cancer and heart by-pass survivor. A private graveside ceremony for immediate family and close friends will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home and Cemetery. The family request in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Julie Kitchings Shaw.

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