Chester Arthur Kirkendoll, III

Chester Arthur Kirkendoll, III died at his home on December 7, 2020. Chester was born in Jackson, Tennessee son of the late Bishop Chester Arthur Kirkendoll, Jr. and the late Mrs. Alice Kirkendoll. He was educated in the public schools of Jackson, Tennessee, graduating from Merry High School in 1960. He attended Lane College where he served in several leadership roles and was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In 1964, he graduated from Lane College with a bachelor’s degree in education. Having a passion for education he went on to obtain a masters degree from Memphis State University. Chester worked in the Memphis City Schools starting first as a classroom teacher, moving on to Assistant Principal positions, and closing out his tenure as a Pupil Services Hearing Officer. He retired in 2009.

Believing in the value of mentoring, Chester taught adolescents and teens the skill of boxing. It was a way to mentor youth and teach them about discipline, perseverance, setting goals, and the value of hard work.

Through his storytelling, Chester shared life lessons and wisdom with family and friends. He possessed a quick wit that would sometimes cause you to pause, but always made you laugh.

Chester is predeceased by his sister, Loretta Jean Kirkendoll Jones, brother, Leland Kapel Kirkendoll, Sr., and granddaughter, Amanda March.

His passing is mourned by his beloved wife of 30 years, Ruthie Grant Kirkendoll; son, Kevin (Candyce) Kirkendoll; daughters, Monica (Cecil) Bowers, Kenya D. Kirkendoll, and Karsha (De) Black; granddaughters, Brandy (Harold) Hart, Karrington Black, Keondra Kirkendoll and Kionna Kirkendoll; grandsons, Isaiah Black, Cameron Kirkendoll, and Torrion Kirkendoll; great-grandsons, Courvoisier March, Teale Farr and Kylen Hart; great-granddaughters, Shalique (James) Buchannan, Alize Farr, and Jada Farr; and great-great-grandson Cameron Buchanan. He is also survived by 5 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We, his children, would like to thank, Nann Grant Whitworth, Angiereen Grant Murphy, Fenisshal Murphy Ward, and Ms. Linda for the love, care, and special attention they devoted to our father over many years. There are no adequate words to express our gratitude, appreciation and love for you. Thank you!

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations be made in Chester’s honor to assist in the purchase of reading and phonics material to support first grade teachers at Sycamore Elementary School. His legacy in public education will live on through his daughter, Karsha, as she teaches and molds the next generations at Sycamore. Donations can be sent to Sycamore Elementary School, 5695 Sycamore Rd, Sugar Hill, GA 30518.