TOMMY KILGORE

Tommy Kilgore, born August 9, 1933, entered into glory Sunday, December 26, 2021. He was met by his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen Sue Kennedy Kilgore.

Tommy was born in Riverview in Coeburn to the late WC “Bill” Kilgore Sr., and Nellie Turner Kilgore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Adlene Kilgore and Betty Bates; one brother, William Jr; two nieces, Diane Wilson and Fern Ringley.

Left to cherish his memory are sons, Dr William Tommy Kilgore and wife, Dr Susan Griffin, and Dr Robert Kilgore and wife, Courtney. Five grandchildren Daniel Lee Kilgore (Jessica), Caitlin King (Chase), Will Kilgore, Hannah Kilgore (fiancé Ben), John Robert Kilgore; four great-grandsons, Elijah and Luke Kilgore and Crew and Chip King; niece Connie Clay and nephew William Kilgore; special cousin Linda Rogers and special friends Willis Ring and Jimmy Gillenwater.

He spent 36 years working for the Austin Powder Company of Cleveland, Ohio. He started in 1964 as an office magazine keeper. In 1967 he was named salesman. In 1972 he was named area manager for VA, NC, and Eastern KY, and in 1976 he acquired AL, GA, WVA, and part of PA. In 1980, he was named the first Appalachian Division Manager. In 1986 he was named President of the Appalachian Division and Corporate Vice President which he served as until his retirement on December 31, 2000.

Tommy was a member of the Coeburn Masonic Lodge #97 for 50 years; 32° Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Roanoke; Kazim Shriners, Roanoke; and member of Mary’s Chapel Church.

A special thanks is extended to his exceptional caregivers, Rosemary Lathum, Eliza Smith, and Naomi Jones, and to Dr David Sheppard and Dr Tom Renfro and their nursing staffs.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29 at Mary’s Chapel Church with the funeral to follow at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Les Ritchie and Pastor Marty Puckett officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 30 at the Laurel Grove Cemetery in Norton. Pallbearers will be Smoky Combs, Michael Lee, Bill Meade, Jimmy Gillenwater, Larry Ritchie, Benny Kilgore, Randy Powers, and Willis Ring. Bruce Farmer and Ted Jenkins will serve as honorary pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Mary’s Chapel Church, Shriners’ Children’s Hospital or St Jude in memory of Tommy. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.estesfuneralhome.com.

Estes Funeral Home of Coeburn is serving the Kilgore Family.