Mr. Albert Leo Kimbrough, age 86, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, formerly of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on May 21, 2024, leaving a void that even time can never fill.
Albert, the son of the late Raymond and Gladys (Donaldson) Kimbrough, Sr was born March 24, 1938, in Galesburg. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Murrell, in Galesburg on December 6, 1959.
Albert’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Joyce, and their two daughters, Kellie (Michael) Mahone of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kammie (Britt) Allen of Chicago, Illinois. His brother, Elbert of Bettendorf, Iowa, and sister, Patricia (Michael) Coleman, Galesburg, Illinois also survived him. His grandchildren, Bria and Austin Allen, and his great-grandchildren, Chance, and Chanel Allen, were a source of immense joy for him. Albert was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Nancy Kimbrough, Laura Ann Bryant, Lois Kimbrough, Raymond Kimbrough, Jr., and Kenneth Kimbrough.
Albert was a humble man whose accomplishments were steeped in his silence about them. He excelled in everything he endeavored. Albert’s dedication to education was unwavering. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1957, where he played on the school’s Silver Streak Football team. Albert, a halfback, still holds the school records for most points scored in a season (142), career points (295), season rushing average (10.6), and career rushing average (9.0). Albert earned a four-year scholarship to Northwestern University. There, he continued to shine as a starter for the Wildcats, where he played for the legendary Coach Ara Parseghian. In 1962, Albert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a master’s degree in school administration from the University of Illinois in 1971 and a specialist degree in school administration in 1974. He even delved into the field of Information Technology. Albert’s passion for education was evident in his thirty-two-year career, which included seven years as a teacher, football and basketball coach, and twenty-five years as a school administrator at Evanston Township High School. He was a strong advocate for formal education, especially for advanced education.
Albert was a strong advocate for civil rights and a longtime member of the National Association for The Advancement of Colored People. He led by example.
Albert was an avid professional basketball fan, traveling to various cities across the country with his grandson to see their favorite teams play. Albert also excelled as a
basketball player. He loved and excelled in tennis and would play whenever he had the time. Albert enjoyed live jazz concerts.
Albert was a generous man, a devoted husband to Joyce for more than 64 years, a great father to his daughters, a great father-in-law, a great grandfather, a great, great-grandfather, a great brother to his siblings, a great mentor in the classroom and on the field, and a great friend. Describing Albert as a great man is seemingly an understatement. Albert will be missed by many and his absence on Earth creates a void that can never be filled.
Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel, with Elder Brant Kimbrough officiating. The burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
