Richard Wright Kitchens, widely known as Dick Kitchens, died on the early morning of June 25, 2025, following a heart attack he had suffered the preceding evening at his home in Huntsville, Alabama. Anne, his loving wife of nearly thirty years, was at his side.
Born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, on November 29, 1952, Mr. Kitchens lived in or near Huntsville, Alabama, most of his adult life. He had retired from a long career in the automobile business and was enjoying life at home with his dear wife Anne, their pets, and his beloved Steinway piano. Dick was a lifelong Baptist, and at an early age had accepted Christ as his Savior in his home church, First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs, Mississippi. For many years he had been an active member of First Baptist Church of Huntsville.
Dick was the youngest of the three sons of Lloyd Wade Kitchens (1916-1976) and Edith Fullilove Kitchens (1914-2019). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Edith Kitchens, and by his brother, Dr. Lloyd Wade Kitchens, Jr.
He is survived by his son, Brandon William Kitchens and his wife, Danielle of Long Beach, Mississippi, and his daughter, Katherine Ham and her husband, Jon Ham of Opelika, Alabama. Dick was the proud stepfather of Anne’s son, Christopher Lee Moore of Birmingham, Alabama. In recent years Dick’s favorite subjects of conversation were his three grandchildren, Charlie Ham and the twins, Maggie and Mercer Ham. His older brother, James Warren (Jim) Kitchens, also survives him, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Growing up in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, Mr. Kitchens was educated at Crystal Springs Consolidated School, from which he graduated in 1970. He continued his formal education at the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated there in 1975. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
A proud Mason for many years, Dick was an active member of Helion Lodge No. 1, F & AM, at Huntsville. He also was a member of Crystal Springs Lodge No. 452 at his hometown in Mississippi.
A memorial service for Mr. Dick Kitchens will be conducted at First Baptist Church of Huntsville, on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 am.
Memorial contributions may be mailed to CAMP KAMASSA, Box 520, Crystal Springs, MS 39059. (A camp for children and adults with special needs.)
