William Kevin Barksdale

Kevin earned his Ph.D. with a concentration in personnel and employment relations from Georgia State

University in 1994. Most recently, he served as a professor and MBA Faculty Director with the Marilyn Davies College of Business at the University of Houston Downtown. As a part of his role, he led the MBA staff to propel that program to the highest enrollment in Texas in 2019. Formerly Kevin was Dean of the Ken Blanchard College of Business at Grand Canyon University in Arizona and held various positions in other universities through the years.

Kevin truly loved people and had a heart as big as Texas. Other than his family, his greatest passion was his students. He took great pleasure in helping them become successful in life. Truly blessed with the gift of encouragement, making an everlasting mark on so many students was paramount in his life.

Kevin's impact on everyone around him was enormous. He will not be forgotten by the countless individuals he mentored and stood alongside, watching their accomplishments with great pride.

Kevin was predeceased by his daughter, Madison Barksdale, and his father, Jim Barksdale.

Survivors include Kevin's daughter, McKenzie Barksdale of Denver, Colorado; the mother of his children, Lisa Barksdale of the Houston area; his mother, Virginia Barksdale of Hoover; brothers, Alan Barksdale (Pam) of Florence, Alabama and Brian Barksdale (Becky) of Hoover; special friend, Blaine Hull; and a host of nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

A private family memorial service has been planned. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama.

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