George Richard Kimbrell, 93, of Clearwater, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at the North Pinellas Hospice Care Center – Brookside in Palm Harbor, Florida. George was born in Memphis, Tennessee and moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1956. For over fifty years he had well established and successful practices as an Oral Surgeon in Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Largo and Sarasota, Florida.
He served his country in World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. George served in the 8th Air Force, 92 Air Borne Bomber Squad and flew in a B-17 airplane. He served as a Gunner, Radio Operator and Co-Pilot flying 29 missions over Europe. George was discharged after the war as a 1st Lieutenant. George learned to fly in a bi-plane crop duster in Arlington, Tennessee.
Following the war, he went to Memphis State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree and then completed his Doctor of Dental Sciences Degree at the University of Tennessee. George served his Oral Surgery Residency at the State Mental Hospital in Chattahoochee, Florida and moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1956. He established a highly respected and successful private practice as an Oral Surgeon in Belleair Bluffs, Florida. George enjoyed golf, the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Bucs, a good beer and his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Stedman and Richard B. Kimbrell; sisters, Imogene and Peggy; and his ex-wife, Norma Kimbrell. He is survived by his ex-wife, Jeanne Kimbrell; step-son, K. Steve (Debbie) Kimbrell; son, Adam (Kristen) Kimbrell; daughters, Sharleen (Spencer) Faurot, Debra (Jimmy) Smith and Abby (Loretto); grandchildren, Leah, Shaun, Stacie, Seth, Shallen, Anderson, Bryce S., Bryce W. and Reese; eleven great-grandchildren; and many friends.
A Service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760. A time of visitation will commence at 12:30PM, followed by a Funeral Service with Military Honors at 1:00PM.
He will be privately buried at Sylvan Abbey Cemetery, Clearwater, Florida.
Dr. Kimbrell was a great guy, devoted to our church. And a part of the greatest generation. He will be missed.
Dr Kimbrell was Dr to many and a good friend. He loved his work, he loved his family, he loved his Lord and Savior. I recall his kindness and also his harsh words he had with my Dr when I coded in his chair. He was part of my husband’s and my life and we appreciated him.
Dr. George was a wonderful friend to us over the years!! We first met him at First Assembly of God, Clearwater when we all sang in the choir. We adopted him as “Pops”! One of his favorite songs was ” I just seen Jesus” by Larnelle Harris & Sandi Patty. We know he is with Jesus now! Free from pain and suffering. We have so many fond memories with George. He will be greatly missed.
Dr Kimbrell was a dear friend of my Dad’s for 50+ years. It’s hard to think of him not being in our lives. He became a part of our family in his later years attending many family events. At Thanksgiving he brought us pies from the Village Inn and loved telling us his war stories. He will be greatly missed, by our family. Thank you George for being my Dad’s best friend for so many years, we should all be blessed with this kind of enduring friendship.
Thank you, George, for your service during World War II, being one of the few heroes left from the “Greatest Generation.” You suffered quietly your remaining years for the times you flew missions with your feet and legs freezing in the altitude your planes had to fly, never complaining, then excelled to complete your college and training to become a well respected oral surgeon. We are proud to have had you as a great friend of the Veghte family. You are a true American Hero and Christian, we will miss you greatly.
I was Dr Kimbrell’s pastor for a number of years. He was always faithful, cheerful and loyal. He was a blessing to all who knew him.
Pastor Don Lunsford
I will miss you Dr. Kimbrell Devotedto Christ and a wonderful dentist.
Gone but not forgotten pops. It’s been almost 3 years since you went to see our Lord and savior and you skipped out on the rest of this world on this thing called Covid-19. Kinda jealous you did! Love you and miss you.
My name is Morgan Morgan. I am Peggy’s son and George is/was my uncle though I never got a chance to meet him. Anyone that that is related is probably familiar with the story of my mother’s death and what transpired. If anyone in the family sees this please contact me 1-602-581-1230. I live in Nashville.