Joe Willis Kilgore passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia. He leaves behind a daughter, Maeve Kil-gore, and Liz Vredenburg (mother of Maeve); parents, James C. and Christel Perkins of Gloucester; grandfather, James A. Perkins of Mattaponi; paternal grandfather, Joe W. Kilgore of Texas; uncles, Anthony Kilgore of Dayton, Texas, and Kevin Kilgore of Texas; aunt, Haidee Williams of Texas; maternal grandparents, Norwood P. and Odessa Montgomery of Waynesville, N.C.; a sister, Amanda Nicole Carter and her husband Josh Carter of Richmond; several nieces and a nephew, and second mom, Connie Owens Houston.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Timothy Kilgore of Baytown, Texas, and his brother, Bradley James Perkins of Gloucester.

Joe loved cooking and was a chef in many restaurants in and around Norfolk. He was a master of Kung Fu. He enjoyed riding his fixed gear bike.

A small service of close family and friends will be held at Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, October 10 at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for his friends in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mercy Chefs or WCK Chefs (World Central Kitchen).