Alan Ray Kilburn died September 29, 2024 at the age of 71.  He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Ray Kilburn, his mother Eleanor Dabbs Kilburn and his sister Teresa Kilburn Loggins.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jennifer Smith Kilburn, his brothers-in-law Williams Loggins and Xandy Smith, his nieces Bree Loggins, Monica Zucol (Barry) and Misty Smith, and his nephew Brad Loggins (Amber), his great-nieces and nephews Chase and Daelyn Loggins and Cooper and Luke Zucol.  Ray and Jennifer have a pretend-daughter, Amy Vinson (James) whose children, Nolan, Addy, Anna and J.D. made Ray very happy.  Ray called Linda and Mike Coffman his sister and brother and Bryon Farley his nephew.

Ray graduated from Hueytown High School with the Class of 71.  He served in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years.  Upon retirement from that career he served as a computer forensic examiner for the Alabama District Attorney’s Office.  

Ray loved life!  He was filled with joy whenever he could be with family and friends. Once Ray accepted you as his friend you were his friend forever.  He loved to cook.  To celebrate his retirement he barbecued enough slabs of ribs to feed 34 guests.  His Thanksgiving cornbread dressing was served on many holiday tables.  While usually careful with a dollar, Ray would splurge on dinners at wonderful restaurants in Birmingham and Las Vegas.  He believed barbecue from Bob Sykes Restaurant had curative powers.  Ray loved to play golf, too.  He especially found joy playing in the annual No Wives Tour in Panama City Beach each spring with Ed Tumlin, Bill Lyle and Gary Decker.  He loved the friends he made while working for the state in south Alabama.  

Ray never met a stranger.  He knew how to keep Christmas and keep it very well.  He found joy in his perfectly manicured lawn, warm beach breezes and days spent on the Warrior River or Smith Lake.