Richard A. Kilby's Obituary
Richard Arlen “Dick” Kilby was born in Clayton, Georgia, on February 9, 1938. His family moved from Georgia to Pontiac, Michigan, where Dick attended Pontiac High School. In 1960, he graduated from Michigan State University, where he was a member of Triangle Fraternity and earned a degree in Urban Planning.
While at MSU, Dick met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Jones, whom he married in 1961. Their first son, Richard Patrick, was born in 1964, while Dick was working as a city planner in Madison Heights, Michigan. In 1966 the Kilbys moved to Gainesville, Florida, and in 1968, Pat gave birth to the couple’s second son, James Grant.
Dick worked in the planning department for the city of Gainesville for 18 years, most recently as the head of the Department of Housing and Neighborhoods. He and Pat operated a Norrell Temporary Services franchise for 15 years before retiring in 2000.
Dick was a member of the Gator City Kiwanis Club, an avid fisherman, a longtime season ticket holder for Gator basketball games, and a passionate follower of all Gator teams. As a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, he served as chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Misty Mornings Sunday School Class. One of his passions was Southern Gospel Quartet music, and he also loved taking photos, laughing at TV sitcoms, cooking for his family and friends, and taking walks in the woods by his home.
Dick is survived by his wife, Pat, and his two sons, Richard Patrick Kilby of Orlando and James Kilby of Satellite Beach, sisters Shirley Galloway and Mardy Wilson, both of Clayton, sister Bobbie Koop of Clam Lake, Michigan, and brother Samuel Kilby of Waterford, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the National Park Foundation.
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