Manfred Wilhelm Kimball

Mani, as he was well known to family and friends, was born February 17, 1946. He attended Killeen High school in Texas and went on to study at Troy Montgomery University in Alabama. His military service covered 34 years including the Air Force and the Air Force Reserves until his retirement in 2001. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, received the Distinguished Flying Cross Award and retired as a SSgt C-130 Chief Flight Engineer.

Mani is preceded in death by his mother Terry and step-dad Ed, and his ex-wife, Frances Petrizzo, who passed in 2005. He is serviced by his cousin Ronald and Edna Chase. Mani had a big heart and was loved by so many. He stayed close to his previous marriage’s family of brother and sister-in- laws - Mike and Vicki Petrizzo, JoAnn Secero & Rick Barry, Tom and Lucille McAteer and numerous nieces and nephews - Mandee, Jacki, Kimmie, Jen, Tara, Mindy, TJ and Kurt. Mani rarely missed the family Thanksgiving gatherings, and his customary can of cranberries and pumpkin pie. He is also survived by his long love, Jean Vaughan. Although miles apart, distance meant little when they meant so much to each other. He loved and was loved and adored by Jean’s daughters Kellie and Antonia, grandkids Selina, Teya and Thomas, and Jean’s great granddaughter Kelci, (Peewee). He enjoyed her fashion shows and was a huge support in her rodeo riding.

Mani had a third family. He was proud of his close nit military family. Initially at Maxwell’s 908th Air Force Reserves Command in Alabama and later stationed and retired at the 357th & 700th TAS at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Georgia. Over the years working on the C-130 Hercules, Mani’s knowledge and expertise became second to none and achieved the title of Chief Flight Engineer. He deployed on missions around the world, served with so many, befriended all and built lifelong bonds. You can tell by the many fond memories and condolences from friends on his wall. Don’t know the story behind it but he is also known as Major Rocket!

Thank you for your service. You will be Forever remembered, Forever missed.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on March 1, 2023 at 1PM at Hardage – Giddens Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL – (904)396-2522

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