He was the son of the late Frank and Myrtle Rogers Kimbrell. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Leroy “Buddy” Kimbrell.
He is survived by Bernice Philemon Kimbrell, his wife of 61 years; two sisters, Ovella K. Cartner and Bessie K. Simpson, all of Indian Trail; daughter Jan Kimbrell Stallings and husband Keith, and granddaughters Anna Leigh and Caroline of Granite Falls; son Charles Kimbrell and wife Shannon, and grandson Camden of Mt. Croghan, SC.
Also left to cherish his memory and miss his humor, wit and encouragement are many nieces, nephews, church family, friends and neighbors.
As men of his generation did, Will took care of his wife and family. He was a hard-working, joyful provider, a living example of faith and kindness. He lived life simply and humbly.
Will spent his entire life farming row crops across the fields of Union County, the place he loved, which is home to the people he loved. Together with family, he planted a large garden and shared many vegetables and melons with friends and neighbors through the years. He also grew popcorn and sunflowers as a hobby.
Will was gentle and caring. He enjoyed lending a helping hand where needed. In the big snow of 1979, Will used his front-end loader to scrape all the driveways down Rocky River Road. He mowed the yards of many widows from his church. (Admittedly, it did help that several of them had a pond dam to mow.) One time, a young man caught stealing food from the freezer was given as much food as he could carry back to his home. Without hesitation, Will helped a few folks out of a few jams along the way. Will was a good Christian and a good neighbor. He noticed everyday opportunities to offer a word of encouragement and a smile.
Will had no other agenda than to make people feel loved and to make people laugh with his jokes. Will was a hilarious storyteller, and most of his tales were true. He once sent a story to Dear Abby, who wrote back to him with a note of thanks for giving her a good chuckle. He always appreciated a good practical joke and a sense of humor.
Will spent the majority of his free time outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. When it was raining, he shot pool with his friends. He read the newspaper and his Bible daily.
Will enjoyed gathering with family to eat and play cards. Playing “Setback ” was a favorite pastime of the Kimbrells. The card games were a great setting to reminisce and impart “Willisms.”
Will worshiped at Stephenson Presbyterian Church his whole life. Prior to losing his hearing, he sang tenor in the choir, served as treasurer, and participated in the men’s club. He tried not to miss a Sunday and believed everyone else should do the same. Years ago, an anonymous donor purchased a special sound system and headset so he could feel included in worship. In later years, the ministers were very kind and printed the sermons so he could read along and follow the service from his spot on the pew. He saved every copy. These gifts of inclusion were meaningful to Will and his family.
Will honorably served his country in the United States Army, but he was glad to get back home to Union County so he could climb back up on his tractor and his combine where he belonged.
The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall at Stephenson Presbyterian Church at 4224 N. Rocky River Rd., Monroe, NC, on Wednesday, August 21, from 1:00-3:00. The celebration of life service will begin at 3:00 in the church sanctuary, with interment to follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Stephenson Presbyterian Church cemetery fund.
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