Paul Daniel Kilgore

Paul Daniel Kilgore, 87, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Monday, May 17, 2021, at a hospital in Chattanooga surrounded by his family. U.S. retired Army Sergeant, First Class, E-7, Paul, served from 1956-1976, serving for 2 tours in Vietnam. Mr. Kilgore was in the Airborne division, and was shot down once during combat. He received many decorations, medals, and badges that included the Bronze star. He was of the Baptist faith, enjoyed antique cars, and going fishing. He married the love of his life, Judy Smith Kilgore, and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage together.

He was preceded in death by parents, Wilburn and Minnie Belle Kilgore of Whitwell, TN; daughter, Arlene Neal of Cleveland, TN; Sisters, Clara Louise Kilgore, and Hazel Lucille Henderson; brothers, James William Kilgore, Carl David Kilgore, Charles Edward Kilgore, and Wayne Douglas Kilgore.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Kilgore; grandsons, Joseph Hardee of Cleveland, TN, and Garett Frazey of Chattanooga, TN; sisters, Betty Lois Gary of Lawrenceville, GA, Nell Ruth Brown of Orlando, FL, Leona Kilgore of Whitwell, TN, and Naomi Kilgore of Cleveland, TN; special daughter figure, Christina Stewart of Cleveland, TN several nieces and nephews; special niece, Laura Kirkland of Johnson City, TN; special great-great niece, Kinsley Stewart of Cleveland, TN; and special great-great-nephew, Braxton Stewart of Cleveland, TN

A celebration of his life will be conducted at 11:30 pm on Friday, May 21, 2021 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Brooks officiating.  Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Full military honors, a white dove release ceremony, and the playing of bagpipes will conclude the service. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home on Thursday, May 20, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

You may watch the service via live stream on Ralph Buckner Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Kilgore family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.