Jon Wilton Kilgore passed away on April 14, 2020. Jon was born on December 3, 1943 in Fort Jackson, South Carolina to Kathern Keegan Kilgore and Anderson Wilton Kilgore. He was predeceased by both his parents. Jon is survived by his wife Jill Fegley Kilgore, his daughters Kristy Kilgore Shaw (Mark), and Kourtney Kilgore McDaniel, his son Jason Wilton Kilgore (Laura), grandchildren Maryanne Marshall Kilgore, Hayden Wilton Kilgore, William Parker Shaw, Holden Anderson Shaw, Caroline Morgan McDaniel, Marshall Grant McDaniel, sister Sandra Arnold, niece Melissa Baker, nephew Kevin Arnold, son-in-law Pat McDaniel, and his Robinson Humphrey family.
Jon was raised in Atlanta and attended North Fulton High School. He then went on to Auburn University where he was a three year football letterman graduating in 1965. After graduation Jon played for five years in the NFL as a punter for Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.
After his football career he and his first wife, Linda Marshall Kilgore, moved their family to Greenville, South Carolina to work for Gaylord Paper Company. They then moved back home to Atlanta in 1971 for Jon to pursue a career in the financial securities business with a specialization in the Municipal Bond market. After starting his financial career with Trust Company Bank, then C&S Bank, Jon then joined The Robinson Humphrey Co. in 1975 on the municipal bond trading desk and was responsible for trading and underwriting tax exempt bonds for the firm. In 1982 The Robinson Humphrey Co. was purchased by Shearson/American Express. Business growth and mergers with Robinson Humphrey remaining autonomous, expanded the firms efforts enabling Jon to manage all municipal underwriting. Jon as an executive vice president, later became the director of the municipal bond department and joined the firms Board of Directors. In the mid 1990’s he also became the manager of the public finance department and a member of the firm’s executive committee when the firm was purchased by Smith Barney which was later purchased by Citigroup. Jon retired in 2004 to pursue outside business interests, personal investments and philanthropy.
We are honoring Jon’s request for cremation. Sometime in the near future, when conditions allow, Jon’s friends and family will come together to celebrate his life. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.
We are friends of the family and are saddened to hear of Jon’s death. When the times comes that the family deems it safe to celebrate his life we would appreciate being notified. May God rest his soul.
We are so saddened to hear of Jon’s passing.
We were lucky enough to become friends and neighbors with Jon and Jill over the last couple of years. Jon was always quick with a smile and so friendly and cheerful. Just a great guy and we will miss him.
Condolences to all the Kilgore family. We have fond memories of Jon both at North Fulton and at Auburn.
To Johns family and classmates , John now knows the peace that passes all understanding.
John you were always a good man with a gentle spirit that impacted all of us that had the homer to know you. GODS speed my friend.
Jeff Stewart
Jon was a mentor and friend to me and many others in the municipal bond business. Jon will always be one of my favorite people in our business. He was a terrific person with an infectious personality, positive attitude and a really good man. I will always be grateful to Jon for bringing me to Robinson-Humphrey and so appreciate his leadership, advice and friendship. My condolences to Jon’s entire family and many friends.
Jon, Tracy McDonald and I would periodically ride to high school together as we were neighbors. Jon was always up and a pleasure to be around. Rest In Peace, Buddy.
We are so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. We will remember the good times we had pheasant hunting. You are in our prayers, Jason, Mark and family.
Rest in Peace my friend!
No finer man has ever walked this earth than Killer. What a privilege to have had him in my life. God have mercy on his soul.