Billy Ray "Bill" Kitchens, Sr.

Billy Ray "Bill" Kitchens, Sr., age 81, passed away on October 20, 2026. Born on December 10, 1944, in Ragland, Alabama, Bill dedicated his life to serving others, proudly serving in the United States Army before pursuing a long career as a mechanic and owner of Barr's Transmission. He was a Mason, a former member of the New Albany Boat Club, a valued member of the 40&8 Club and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 379 in Elizabeth, Indiana.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Azalee Kitchens; grandson, Eric; son-in-law, Andy Burgess; and siblings, Wayne Kitchens, Wilma Langham, and his brother-in-law, Don Hill.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Dianne (Best) Kitchens, and children, Edith Kitchens, Gary Kitchens (Tammy), Billy Kitchens, Jr., Azalee Cole, Cassandra Thurman, Stacy Gillman (James Jay), Sheila Burgess, Kevin Purvis, and Teresa Schnellenberger (Larry). Also mourning his loss are his siblings, Nelda Hill and Donald Wright (Gay), along with grandchildren Auston, Kody, Nichole, Alexis, Tucker, Caden, Madelynn, Ashland, Kevin Jr., Griffin, Brooklynn, Coley, Kevin, Scott, Steven, Shelby, Buddy, Larry Jr.; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in New Albany, with continued visitation Tuesday morning after 9:00 a.m. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by burial and military honors at Rose Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth, Indiana.

In honor of Bill's memory, contributions may be made to American Legion Post 379 or Norton Children's Hospital.