John Brown “Cotton” Kimberly III, 84, died Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Gloucester House.

The son of Katharine Cartmell Kimberly “Katie” Heath and John B. Kimberly Jr., Johnnie was born in Gloucester in 1933. Growing up on the North River, he spent his childhood sailing, boating, fishing, hunting, and loved the outdoors.

He attended Christ Church School and Randolph-Macon College, and was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. In 1970, he moved with his family to North Carolina where he had a successful career in textile sales.  

Founder of the annual ACC Golf and Basketball Tournament in Wilmington, North Carolina, he enjoyed an active social life both there and after he retired in Gloucester to Dundee, on the North River. A fair shot (especially at quail), a good golfer, and a great dancer, he enjoyed his weekly poker games with friends and will be remembered for his charming manners, outspokenness, and passion for University of Virginia basketball.

He is survived by his daughter, Katharine “Kit” Kimberly of New Bern, North Carolina; son, John Kimberly, daughter-in-law, Kim, and granddaughters, Katie and Abby of Tallahassee, Florida; his brother and sister-in-law, Brent and Becky Heath of Gloucester, as well as nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews.  

A memorial service officiated by the Rev. T. Grant Ambrose was held Wednesday, 29 March, at 3 p.m. at Ware Church in Gloucester, with reception at the Parish Hall.

In memory of John, the family asks that donations be made to Friends of the Dragon Run, P.O. Box 882, Gloucester, Va. 23061 or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Gloucester Chapter, P.O. Box 1881, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Arrangements under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point. Please visit www.hoggfh.com to share condolences and memories with the family.