Fr. George R. Kitchin

Fr. George R. Kitchin, age 81, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Leon Kitchin and Effie Smith Kitchin; and 2 sisters, Leona Pollard Webb and Helene Kitchin Cohen.

Fr. Kitchin is survived by his siblings, Robert Kitchin (Ann) of Bolivar, MO, John Kitchin (Susan) of Gautier, MS, and Peggy Kitchin of Ridgeland, MS; his nieces and nephews, Trey Pollard (Guyanne), Justin Cohen (Eliany), Andrew Cohen, Paul Kitchin (Sarah), David Kitchin, Joseph Kitchin, Clare Kitchin, and Jonathan Kitchin (Renae); and his brother priests from the Diocese of Biloxi and the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson. 

He was born in Durham, NC and was raised in Greenwood, MS. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1970 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood by Bishop Joseph Brunini. After his ordination, he was assigned to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and remained in the Diocese of Biloxi until his passing. He served as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, Bay St. Louis, Sacred Heart Parish in Pascagoula, and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Biloxi. In 1982, he was appointed as the founding pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church in White Cypress. Other assignments included: 1988 to 2002, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, 2002-2014, pastor of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, and 2014 until his retirement, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Gautier. He was the longtime director of the Diocese of Biloxi Charismatic Renewal Program. 

Fr. Kitchin was a profound homilist and engaging conversationalist and enjoyed all aspects of American History, especially the American Revolution, and the history of the Catholic Church. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, and enjoyed specific ministries within the church, especially the XLT Movement where he encouraged other to spend an hour of adoration with praise and worship along with offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Kitchin also had a deep connection to catholic education giving support to families in need ensuring that their children could receive a catholic education. The people of the Diocese of Biloxi are grateful for the 54 years of ministry he gave to the people of the MS Gulf Coast. 

To continue to work helping families with tuition assistance, the family would prefer memorials be made to the Guardian Angel Program, c/o Office of Finance, Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, 1790 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532.

A rosary service will be held at 10 am Monday, July 15, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am by Bishop Louis Kihneman with his brother priests serving as concelebrants. Interment will be private in St. James Cemetery. 

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com