Willie Tom Kitchens

Willie Tom Kitchens, age 85, died on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.  Tom was born on May 27, 1936, in Prospect Community, Jasper County, Georgia to parents Emma Ruth Kitchens and Ruben Colvin Kitchens.   Tom grew up on his family farm, spending many wonderful days playing with his five siblings and his best friend and cousin Gene Kelly. Tom graduated from Jasper County High School in 1955 where he was an accomplished football player and active participant in the FFA.

After high school, Tom married his high school classmate Helen Virginia Mason on August 29, 1956, sharing many adventures for 65 years.

Tom was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He was most at peace when in the woods or on the water with nature and God. In 1968, Tom incorporated his love of the outdoors and sportsmanship when he opened Tom’s Taxidermy Den and continued his business for 40 years, serving the community and visiting sportsmen with taxidermy, camping locations, food services, and locating hunters during family emergencies. One of the most delightful talents of Tom was his story telling prowess, keeping his listeners spellbound until the last word- whether it was true or “suspect.”

He served his God and community in many capacities. He was an original board member of Piedmont Academy School.  He served as assistant Sunday School Superintendent at Stark Methodist Church. In 1985, he served on a mission trip to Monterey, Mexico. After relocating to Wrightsville in 1997, he served as a member of the Wrightsville First United Methodist Church.

His greatest and most enduring legacy was his endless love and devotion to his family.  He saw no limits to serving his family.  Without hesitation, he was always available from sharing advice to helping with any task necessary.

One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren; dedicating time to make each feel special, unique and loved. He spent many hours climbing trees, playing dolls, romping in the woods, playing animals in the garden and endless rides on the golf cart. Most importantly he instilled a sense of hard work and honesty.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, his sister Virginia Weemes, and a brother Wentzelle Kitchens who was a casualty of the Korean War.

Tom is survived by his wife Helen; daughters:  Gwen Goins (Greg) of Mansfield, Georgia and Rhonda Albright (Tim) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; son Wentzelle Kim Kitchens (Layne) of Sandersville, Georgia. Grandchildren; Adrienne Albright (Thomas Sharon) of Brooklyn, New York; Nathaniel Kitchens, Macon, Georgia and Christopher Kitchens, Sandersville, Georgia; sisters Elizabeth Harrison, Rachel Cunard, and Kay Herndon all Monticello, Georgia; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Prospect United Methodist Church.  Rev.  David Williams will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be directed to Wrightsville First United Methodist Church, PO Box 30, Wrightsville, Ga. 31096, or Prospect United Methodist Church, 84 Barnes Mountain Road, Mansfield, Ga. 30055.

Jordan Funeral Home, Monticello, Georgia.  Please visit our website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com .

This is a courtesy announcement of May & Smith Funeral Directors. www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com