Thomas Edison Kicklighter

Mr. Thomas Edison Kicklighter, 81 of Patterson, passed away early Saturday morning, January 2, 2021, at his residence.

Born in Blackshear, GA on March 9, 1939, he had lived in Patterson for the past 58 years.  Mr. Kicklighter was a 1957 graduate of Blackshear High School and had played on the football team.  Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army where he was stationed in Germany.  After his service to his country, he went to work with the US Postal service in Blackshear where he rode his bicycle 17 miles each day delivering the mail within the city.  He would go on to retire in 1997 as a rural mail carrier.  Mr. Kicklighter served as the director of the Patterson Recreation Department for many years and has a field named in his honor.  He had coached many youngsters over the years (he loved every minute of it) was always supporting his grandchildren in any sport they participated in, and was mighty proud of the Pierce County Bears and their State Championship win.  Mr. Kicklighter served on the Patterson City Council, loved hunting and fishing, but spending time with his grandchildren brought him the most joy. He was a member of Patterson Baptist Church and had been in the Men’s Bible Class before volunteering with the Nursing Home Sunday school. 

He was a son of the late Thomas Alvin & Willie Mae Peacock Kicklighter.  He was also preceded in death by an infant brother.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Glenda Jo Smiley Kicklighter of Patterson; two daughters and a son-in-law, Tina Kicklighter and Dana & Rodney James all of Blackshear; his son and daughter-in-law, Tommy & Wendy Kicklighter of Blackshear; a sister, Patsy (Buddy) Manning Coulby of Jesup; four brothers, Rev. Kenneth (Iris) Kicklighter of Ashburn, Dewey (Mary) Kicklighter of Jacksonville, and Donald Kicklighter and A. C. (Mary) Kicklighter all of Blackshear; 6 grandchildren, Bree Kicklighter, Emmett James, Kole Kicklighter, JoHannah James, Kamden Kicklighter, and Kingston Kicklighter; a great granddaughter, Ryder Manders; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Kicklighter will be held Tuesday morning, January 5, 2021, at 11:00 o’clock from the Patterson Baptist Church.

Interment will be in the Kicklighter family cemetery and will be private.

Due to COVID-19, the family has decided to err on the side of caution and not have a visitation.  Social distancing guidelines as well as the use of facemasks is required. Please refrain from hugging, shaking hands, or any other physical contact.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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