Hal Reuben Kimbrough, age 60, of Huntsville, passed away Thursday. The youngest of four children, he was born to Sam and Alice Kimbrough. The Kimbrough family made their home on beautiful Hawk Pride Mountain in Tuscumbia. Hal was a graduate of Mars Hill Bible School where he was a nationally recognized and published debater. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Finance and a minor in Computer Science. While at the University of Alabama he served as President of Pi Kappa Alpha and was a member of the Jason’s Honorary. He continued his education by earning his masters and then his PhD in Systems Engineering at Colorado State University.
While as a groomsman in a wedding he was paired with a bridesmaid, Karen Miller, who would become his wife. Hal and Karen served as Sunday School Chairmen for 15 years. Prior to pursuing his PhD, Hal served as a deacon at Mayfair Church of Christ. He also taught Sunday School for the Young Marrieds Class.
Hal worked for many years in the aerospace industry and was hired at ADS Environmental where he worked for 27 years. While at ADS he and his family had the opportunity to live and travel the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. They made many lifelong friends. Hal valued the culture of ADS and highly respected his fellow colleagues. While at ADS he served as General Manager and recently as the Vice President of Intelligent Water Systems. He was involved in acquisitions and researching the detection of the coronavirus in water.
He enjoyed many hobbies including following the University of Alabama sports, building an Ultra-Light plane, and earning his pilot’s license. Hal loved spending time on Lake Guntersville. For many years he was a member of Iron Tribe. He was always grateful for the encouragement of the fellow tribe members and coaches. Hal also hoped to perfect playing the guitar and continue to fly in his retirement.
Among his fondest memories was coaching his children in athletics, especially at Mayfair Park, where he enjoyed the friendships of the parents and coaches. He loved developing the talents of young athletes, holding extra practices to encourage the success of players regardless of their talent level. Hal and Karen loved opening their home to the friends of their children, loving them as second children. His greatest treasures were his children and his grandchild.
Hal is survived by Karen, his wife of 37 years; sons, Ben (Savina) Kimbrough, grandson Baylor, Brentwood, TN, and Thomas Kimbrough, Birmingham, AL; daughter, Anna Katherine Kimbrough and fiancé, Austin Baecher, Baton Rouge, LA; father-in-law, George Miller, Huntsville; his beloved sister, Judy Kimbrough Roper, Huntsville; sister-in-law, Jeanette Kimbrough, Tuscumbia, AL; many cherished nieces and nephews, Stacy (Greg) Perry, Beech Grove, TN, Julie (Larry) Daniels, Tuscumbia, AL, Eric (Tracy) Roper, Nashville, TN and Chris (Emily) Kimbrough, Killen, AL; great nieces, Lindsey Roper, Addy and Ashlyn Roper, Kelli and Lily Daniels, Alex and Addie Kimbrough; great nephew, Bryce Roper; and great-great nephew, Jackson Roper Whitt. Hal is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Steve Kimbrough and Don Kimbrough, and mother-in-law, Jean Miller.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26 at Mayfair Church of Christ. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Denton Kimbrough officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lincoln Village Ministry, 1110 Meridian St., Huntsville, AL 35801.
