Gilbert “Gil” Kite passed away peacefully on the evening of August 15, 2016 at Bailey Hospice Center, Saint Augustine, FL, surrounded by loved ones. He was 84 years old.
Gil was born in a log cabin in Texas on August 21, 1931 to Cecil and Jewel Kite.
As a boy, he lived on a ranch thirty miles away from the closest town. When his family moved to Brownwood Texas, he attended school and worked at a bowling alley, stacking the pins by hand. At the early age of seventeen, he enlisted in the Army and completed his high school education. He proudly served his country for 21 years with tours in Japan, Germany, and Vietnam. He especially liked to reminisce about skiing while serving at Fort Richardson, Alaska, during the Korean conflict. He served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and had postings in the Military Police, Artillery, Intelligence, and Supply, as well as serving as a Drill Instructor. After retiring, he attended APSU and earned his Bachelors in Business Administration.
In 1951, Gil was “born again” at a Billy Graham Crusade. As he studied the scriptures, his faith grew strong. He would sit for hours reading his bible. He met his sweetheart, Ellon Tucker, on a blind date while she was visiting family in Texas. They were married just 1 month later and became inseparable in love, faith, and life. Gil was ordained as a deacon in 1971, and served faithfully, visiting nursing homes and helping those in need.
A good listener, he always put the needs of others before his own. Gil loved the Lord, Ellon, and his family in that order. He also loved playing solitaire on his iPad, watching old westerns, and banana splits. One of his many funny catchphrases was, “Every time I go to town, the boys keep a-kickin’ my dog around.”
Gil was a devoted husband, caring father and doting grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ellon Kite; daughters, Kathy Hedrick and Janet Bond (Allan); granddaughters Nikki Hedrick, Allana Olbrich (Jesse) and Janna Bond; and his brothers, W.L. (Shirley) and Jody Kite.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Jewel Kite, and brothers, William Kite, Jack Kite, and Ray Kite.
Memorial service will be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Carbon Hill AL. at 2:00pm with Tommy Johnson officiating. Friends and family may call for visitation beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
Honorary Pallbearers: Billy Baughn, Mike Blankensopp, David Blankensopp, Randy Blankensopp, Barry Johnson, Jesse Olbrich and Tommy Trotter.
