William Kimble

Maggie Valley-William Edward "Bill" Kimble, age 81, of 92 Maple Leaf Circle, died Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at Mission Hospital. A native of Chester, West Virginia, he had lived in Haywood County since 1979, moving here from Orlando, Florida. He was the son of the late George William and Ida Figro Jackson Kimble. He was also predeceased by four brothers, Kenneth, Walter, Harry, and Lester Kimble; and two sisters, Dortha Porter and Elsie Moore. He graduated from the University of West Virginia. He worked for Pitney Bowes for ten years and the State of North Carolina ABC Board as a manager for 21 years and a board member for four years. He was a US Army veteran of World War II serving in the 142nd Infantry, 36 Division, Company B, receiving a purple heart and bronze star. He was a 50-year charter member of the Bahia Shrine Temple and Oriental Band, as well as a 50-year member of Salina Masonic Lodge No. 27 in Malden, WV; Royal Arch Masons, Tyrian No. 13 Charleston, WV; and Kanawah Knights Templar, Charleston, WV. He was a member of the Retired Government's Association and the DAV Commanders Club. He enjoyed music, sports and was a folkart artist. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Batchelor Kimble; two daughters, Mary Jane Becker and her husband, Charles, of Wilton Manor, Florida and Suzanne Holley and her husband, Sherman, of Maggie Valley; a son, William Edward Kimble, Jr., of Florida; a sister, Ruth Bartley, of Panama City, FL; one grandson, William E. Kimble and his wife, Jennie, of Maggie Valley; and two great grandchildren, Angel and Cameron. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.