James “Doodle” Verdo Kilgore Jr.

Pelham

James “Doodle” Verdo Kilgore Jr., age 69, of Pelham passed away on March 25, 2012. He was born in Birmingham on April 28, 1942 but was a resident of Sulligent for most of his childhood. He graduated from Sulligent High School as a member of the class of 1960. He also attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and the University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University). He was an Alabama National Guardsman during the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s. He was retired from Chrysler Credit Corporation where he was employed for 27 years. He was a brother and a past master in the Masonic Lodge.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Verdo Kilgore Sr.; his mother, Excene Karr Kilgore; his brother, Steve Kilgore; his sister, Linda Kilgore Myers; and his daughter, Rachel Odelle Kilgore.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lula “Lou” Griggs Kilgore; his son, James “Beau” Verdo Kilgore III; his daughter, Drucilla Martinez (Mauricio); his grandchildren, Kaitlin Marisa Bitz, Corey Dell Kilgore, Alexander Diego Martinez and Lucia “Luci” Rae Martinez.

He will be missed by his many family members and friends in both Sulligent and in the Birmingham area. Before becoming ill, he was an avid golfer and was a member of the Altadena Country Club for many years. He was also a loyal Alabama football fan and enjoyed attending his class reunions. He was a devoted grandfather and will be missed by his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, most of all.

Services were held Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 2 p.m. from the Norwood Funeral Home Chapel with burial at the Sulligent City Cemetery. Bro. Byron Pickering officiated.

Visitation was held Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 1-2 p.m. just prior to service time. Norwood Funeral Homes, Inc. of Sulligent directed. Condolences at Norwoodfuneralhome.com.