Willis R Kitchin

Willis Reeves Kitchin age 93 passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 7, 2018. Willis embodied the portrait of an honorable man beloved by everyone who knew him. Born in Sylva, North Carolina, on February 21, 1925, Willis was one of six children born to Paul and Eunice Kitchin. At an early age, he learned the value of hard work. At seventeen, he joined the Navy during WWII and served in the Pacific during the occupation of Japan. After his tour of duty, Willis returned to North Carolina where he met and fell in love with Mildred Eula Ingle. During their 70 year marriage, they were blessed with three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Willis lived everyday with love and laughter. His infectious smile, affable personality and positive attitude drew people to him. He was a natural born salesman and worked 40 years for Campbell Soup Company. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his strong work ethic. Willis received every award and achievement that Campbell Soup offered and at that time, he was the only Vice President in the field. He mentored and supervised many young salesmen and left a large footprint within the company. Upon his retirement from Campbell Soup, he enjoyed working on his farm, raising cattle and playing tennis. Willis loved the Lord and his family. His positive Christian attitude was full of love and generosity. As a member of First Baptist Church of Alpharetta, Willis was a community leader using his gifts of singing and story-telling. He was a unique channel of Christ’s love. Willis will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Mildred Ingle Kitchin; children Trudy Woodard and husband David; Rev. Phillip Kitchin and wife Myra; Greta Stewart and late husband Robert Stewart; grandchildren Josh Woodard (Karen); Amber Woodard Moore (Ryan); Hannah, Lydia and Peter Kitchin; Chloe and Kensley Stewart; great-grandchildren Reeves and Harrison Moore; sister Nevelle Hawkins; sister-in-law Helen Kitchin and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church (Chapel) of Alpharetta at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Reception to follow. Private interment for family will be at Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. 1850 Lake Park Drive, Suite 101, Smyrna, GA 30080 (www.lupus.org).