Raymond Larry Kitchens

Raymond Larry Kitchens unexpectedly passed away on April 20, 2024 at the age of 77, at his home in Southside, Alabama. His battle with congestive heart failure in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the shortness of breath and energy, Larry always brought a laugh and stayed strong until the end. Larry was the son of Raymond Kitchens and Virginia Ruth Adams. Raymond got home from World War II on March 25, 1946 and Larry was born on December 25, 1946. Larry said he was born in a manger on Christmas Day, it was actually a small shed in Lithonia, Georgia that was later turned into a chicken coup. Larry graduated high school at Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee and Auburn University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Diane (Alvin Hurst) and his younger brother Ronnie (Cheri). Larry is survived by his wife Pam; his son Lance Kitchens (Missy), Lance’s children Chandler Meadows (Carson), Coleman Kitchens (fiancé Hannah), and Collins Kitchens; his daughter Casey Clay (Scott), Casey’s children Taylor Bradford and Noah Bradford; and great-grandsons Rory Williams and Bain Meadows. Larry married Pamela Hunt on September 6, 1969. Pam grew up in Danville, Kentucky and happened to have Larry’s sister as a co-worker. Diane was in the hospital when Larry and Pam visited her at the same time. Love at first sight. Six months later they were wed and remained married for 54 years. Larry began his real estate career in Decatur, Georgia before bringing his talents to Southside, Alabama to help continue the development of Green Valley Lake Estates, which his dad helped create. Larry obtained his Alabama real estate license soon after moving to the area and was the owner of Green Valley Real Estate Company. Larry spent a few years with Nationwide Insurance before opening Kitchens Realty and Appraisal Office. He obtained his General Certification in appraisal and an SRA designation, which was quite an accomplishment. Over the years, Larry helped train several local appraisers and taught real estate at Gadsden State Community College. Larry continued working until his partial retirement 6 months ago, handing the business over to his daughter Casey. Larry coached the Smokeneck baseball team when his kids were young. He enjoyed playing golf and playing on his tractor. But most of all, Larry enjoyed making people laugh. He never met a stranger and always saw the good in others. Pallbearers will be Lance Kitchens, Coleman Kitchens, Noah Bradford, Jason Kitchens, Garrett Kitchens, Kade Kitchens, Carson Meadows, and Scott Clay with honorary pallbearers Chase Pope and Drew Clay. Larry will be honored at Lakeview Baptist Church, a church built by his father Raymond, in a celebration of life on April 25, 2024. Visiting hours are from 9:30 – 11am, with a service at the church to follow. Immediately following the service, Larry will be transported to Williams Southside Cemetery. Williams Southside Funeral Home - Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Raymond Larry Kitchens

December 25, 1946 - April 20, 2024