Born on Oct. 31, 1946, D. Greg Kitchens passed away on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at his home in Utica. He was 67. 

He was a member of Utica Christian Church.

Greg worked his entire adult life for Kitchens Brothers Manufacturing Co. and Kitchens Lumber Co. after graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1968. While working for Kitchens Brothers, he served as president of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association from 1995-1996 and as president of the National Hardwood Lumber Association from 2000-2002. Along with his lumber business accomplishments, he was also serving as president of the Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association, a board on which he had served since 1984, as well as the board of South Mississippi Power Association.

Greg was born with a passion for hunting and not just a small passion. He began dreaming of hunting in Africa as a small boy and in 1984, fulfilled his dream by going on safari in Zambia, Africa. After that trip, he pursued his dreams with no boundaries. The years that followed introduced Greg, along with his ever-present travelling partner/wife, Cynthia, to 29 countries over six continents.

With a lifetime of hunting experience, Greg served as the president of the Mississippi Chapter of Safari Club International from 1986-1988, was an active member of Shikar Safari Club International and the Dallas Safari Club and achieved several awards, including the Dallas Safari Club Outstanding Hunter Achievement Award in 2004 and North Mexico Safari Club Grand Slam of Mexican Whitetails Award.

Greg was a wealth of knowledge about almost anything, anywhere in the world. He was a true hunter that unselfishly shared his experiences and knowledge with anyone that asked for it. The hunting community has lost a true southern gentleman and a living library of hunting knowledge.

With all the accomplishments both professionally and in hunting, his greatest joy was his three grandsons, Guyton, Colton, and Levi.

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Mid and Sybil Kitchens of Utica, and niece, Stacy Kitchens.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia Reed Kitchens of Utica; his two daughters, Leigh Black (Bobby) and Robyn Birdsong (Jon); his three grandsons, who he adored, Guyton Temple, Colton Birdsong, and Levi Birdsong; his brothers, Alan Kitchens (Paula) and Kevin Kitchens (Sheri); nieces, Amy and Bella, and great-nephew, Patrick.

Services are 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at Utica Christian Church with the Rev. Brad Hartzog officiating. Interment will follow at Utica Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. today at Glenwood Funeral Home in Vicksburg, and 9 a.m. Thursday at Utica Christian Church.

Pallbearers will be Andy Fisher, Willie Fisher, David Reed, Jeffrey Reed, Dale Yates, Ronnie Richardson, Kirby Field and Everett Carraway. Honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Ball, Dennis Carraway, Norton Barlow, Bob Currie, Kenny Crechale, Olen Bryant, Bryan Jones, Butch Ousley, Richard Landry, Billy Deviney, Bill Brewster, Tony Reed, Brian Fisher, Lee Steed, John Hill and Henry Burkhalter.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blair E. Batson Hospital and the Utica Christian Church.