Lonnie W. "Bill" Kicklighter

Lonnie William “Bill” Kicklighter, age 98, of Baxley, died Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Community Hospice in Vidalia.

Mr. Kicklighter was born January 29, 1924 to the late Willie Clifton Kicklighter and the late Ella Collins Kicklighter. Raised in the church, he served as deacon in the Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, and many more years than that singing in the choir.  His Christian faith was the foundation to how he lived his life.

He spent his early life growing up close to the Altamaha River. He spent many days squatted down beside that river catching fish.

Mr. Kicklighter married the love of his life, Laverne Dominy Kicklighter in 1954 and faithfully honored her until his last breath. Their marriage and love story was a real life fairytale, and stands as an example of a faithful Christian couple to so many.  They raised three children of their own but took countless more into their hearts and into their family. While he did travel for his work, if he was at home, he was with family. You could find him fishing with his son and nephews, cheering at his daughter’s games, and in his later years sitting on his porch rocking with his wife as people came to visit.   So many people loved “PaPa” as many called him that; he was rarely without company.

He drove a car carrier for 42 years to support his family. He once got an accommodation that he had driven four million miles without a chargeable accident. Now anyone who drove in front of PaPa might be surprised because he rarely abided by the speed limit. His lead foot was legendary.

His joyful nature extended to his love of food and animals.  More times than not, his dessert plate matched his dinner plate in both size and portion.  His sweet tooth was also legendary.  If a stray dog wandered into the yard, it was fed, given a name, and had found its forever home, much to MaMa’s dismay.  The pet geese he kept were as entertaining to guests as he was, as they too followed him around his yard everywhere he went.

Anyone who met PaPa was immediately met with a smile, a firm handshake (or a hug) and a “how ya doin’?” in his deep southern baritone voice.  PaPa never met a stranger.  He was quick to laugh and could easily help lead you to Jesus. His life was truly a life well lived.

Mr. Kicklighter was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Laverne Dominy Kicklighter; grandson, Donald Kicklighter; great granddaughters, Tinley Park and Kylie Park; sister, Margery K. Taylor; and brothers, Raleigh Kicklighter and Errol Kicklighter.

Survivors include his daughters & sons in law, Debbie & Brad Park and Patsy & Paul Hutcherson all of Baxley; son & daughter in law, Gregg & Kathy Kicklighter of Baxley; sister, Linda Brooks of Baxley; grandchildren, Shannon (Eva) Hutcherson, Derek (Janna) Park, Eric  Hutcherson (Chelsea Hutto), Will Kicklighter, Cassidy Kicklighter; and great-grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth “M.E.” Hutcherson and Kinsley Park; and sisters-in-law, Gayle Dominy, Mickey Dominy, and Alene Hudson. Many special nieces, nephews and caregivers, Shelia Rentz and Lee Green also survive.

Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. James Minick and Rev. Rick Brown officiating.

Active Pallbearers will be Shannon Hutcherson, Derek Park, Eric Hutcherson, Will Kicklighter, Andy Dominy, and Joe Taylor.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all caregivers and the staff of Altamaha Home Health and Community Hospice for the devoted care rendered to Mr. Kicklighter.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice, P.O. Box 2277, Vidalia, Georgia 30474 or to Zion Missionary Baptist Church 525 Zion Baptist Church Road Baxley, Georgia 31513.

The family will receive friends at the cemetery one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.