George Kilpatrick

George Leon Kilpatrick, age 82, passed away on September 8, 2026, surrounded, as he was throughout his life, by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was born on May 21, 1944, in Boaz, where he resided his entire life, graduating from Boaz High School in 1963 and establishing his home and family there.

George began working in the tube room at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1967 and went on to serve in various capacities, from the lab to what he described as "trucking on the backside," throughout his 37-year career with the company. After retiring from Goodyear, he spent much of his time alongside his wife in the family business, Gaines Florist, until its closure in 2024.

George's greatest accomplishment and the legacy he leaves behind was his family. He was the oldest of four children and a brother to three younger sisters, who would all tell you he helped raise them, and was the calm, steady one they looked to for wisdom and guidance throughout their lives. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Gray on May 24, 1964, and they began their family just a year later. Together, they had four children: Kim, Kelly, Kody, and Kala, to whom George was a devoted and ever-present father. No matter his work shift or the sport or activity they were involved in, George was in the stands or on the sidelines. As he did throughout their lives, he offered unwavering support and encouragement, celebrating victories and helping them find their footing after defeats. George and Carolyn spent 61 wonderful years together, building a life centered on their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No single hobby defined him, as he found joy in many pursuits. He was an avid Alabama fan, "taught" his children to swim from the family ski boat, spent summers on the pontoon, enjoyed trips to the beach, camping, and hunting at the cabin. He was also a horseman, raising many riders, and creating cherished memories through Sunday horse-and-buggy rides along the back roads of Crossville. A "darn good-looking" man, George stood beside Carolyn through all that life brought their way. He was a role model, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to anyone who needed one. There was always room in his home and in his heart for those seeking a safe place, a conversation, advice, or forgiveness. Whether through a chair pulled up beside him, an answered phone call, or a new adventure shared together, George made people feel welcome and valued and lived life to the fullest. Those who knew him could never find a bad word to say about him. He never raised his voice, yet his words carried great power.

Though we will miss him deeply, we are grateful for his long-awaited reunion with his son, Kody Kilpatrick, who was lost far too soon. He also joins his sisters, Joan Thomas, Kathy Marks, and Donna Fish; his niece, Sherrie Lemons; his great-nephew, Chris St. John; his parents, Elisha Columbus "E.C." Kilpatrick and Winnie "Lorene" Cagle; and his parents-in-law, Fred and Margaret Gray, all of whom preceded him in death.

Through raising four generations of family, he never experienced an empty nest, but his passing leaves one behind. He will be forever missed by his wife, Carolyn Kilpatrick; his daughters, Kim (Jared) Stanfield, Kelly Kilpatrick, and Kala Kilpatrick; his grandchildren, Maggy Sims, Jessi Kilpatrick, Jordan Hooks, Logan (Autumn) Hooks, Slade (Savannah) Partee, Hudson Kilpatrick, Holly (Tim) McBrayer, and Fallon (Dan) Korsmo; his great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Aubree Sims, Lydia Hubbard, Wilder and Paizlee Partee, Kobe, Andy, and Wesley Korsmo, Wyatt Kiser, Levi Hooks, and Ethan McBrayer; Jacob Stanfield and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Hooks, Logan Hooks, Slade Partee, Hudson Kilpatrick, Jared Stanfield, Shane Partee, and Robert Watson, with his great-grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 11, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at McRae Funeral Home in Boaz. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 2:00 pm, with Bro. David Cofield officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Boaz, Alabama