Sylvester Kilgore, Sr.

Sylvester Kilgore, Sr., 71, of Holly Springs, Mississippi passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, January 27, 2020 at Methodist Healthcare in Olive Branch, MS. He was born February 14, 1948 in Pontotoc, MS to Thomas Kilgore and Mable Berry Kirk. He lived most of his adult life in Holly Springs, MS. He graduated from Pontotoc Attendance Center in 1966. Later, he attended Rust College and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. Sylvester retired from John J. Campbell Roofing Company.
Sylvester was a man who loved life and all of its variety. He had a great love for the outdoors, which he fulfilled with fishing, hunting, and gardening. He loved and enjoyed riding horses. His love for horses and watching Western movies, gained him the nickname “The Great Cowboy”. He treasured his friends and family. Regardless of when or where you met him he always greeted you with a smile, handshake, and a good conversation. However, he greeted his family with his signature whistle that would cause them to pause, look, and wave in the direction of his infamous whistle. Sylvester was an avid sports fan. You name the game, he loved and played it : basketball, his favorite, baseball, softball, track, boxing, cross county, and checkers.
Sylvester was extremely loving and proud of his family. He is survived by the love of his life (Marvia); two sons: Sylvester, Jr. (Shonta) of Victoria, MS; Marvis Kilgore (Doha, Qatar Saudi Arabia); two daughters: Julia Jackson of Holly Springs, Kristel Smith of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren; Jalen, Jada, Jordon, Shakayla and Kourtney; two great-grandchildren; Josiah and Makenzie; a special niece Ethel, and nephew C.K.; a close friend (Ella Kimmons), a host of family and many special friends. Sylvester was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend to all.
Sylvester was preceded in death by his mother (Mable), father (Thomas), step- father (John), and only sister (Classie).
Sylvester, “The Great Cowboy” has saddled up, tipped his hat to this old world, and rode off into the Eternal Sunset.

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