Chad Kingsbury of Columbus, Mississippi

February 15, 1972 - May 4, 2020

Chad Downing Kingsbury was no ordinary person, so this will be no ordinary obituary. This teddy bear of a man was born Feb.15, 1972 and fulfilled his earthly assignment on May 4, 2020. He died peacefully at his home after a brief hospital stay and a long battle with diabetes.
Up until his last moments of life, he was still taking care of others by leaving notes and numbers behind to help his family in the event of his death. He wanted to make sure his wife Jennifer Kingsbury, whom he loved with all of his big heart, would be okay. Chad would say the same of his four children, Maggie, Max, Sam, and Parker.
Chad made sure everyone knew how much he loved Jennifer. When telling a friend that he was going to marry her after only knowing her 31 days, the friend asked him how did he know she is the one? He simply answered, “because I can’t live without her.” They married on June 26, 2016. They enjoyed four wonderful years together, being each other's best friend, confidant, and loving each other well. Jennifer says, “If I could do it all over again, I would do it all over again.”
Chad was preceded in death by his mom Sandra Kingsbury. He leaves his  father, Jere Kingsbury and his stepmother Thelma.

When you spend a lifetime investing in people, they show up for you when you need them most. A myriad of Chad’s friends went into immediate action praying for his family at the moment they learned of his death - a gift from Chad to his family? You bet. He knew you all would do just that. He counted on every one of you. He had no doubt you would be there for his wife and family in their grief. He even wrote such in his note, “they will be there for you.”
Besides his wife, whom he loved so much and his children, he wanted you to know that he dearly loved his hound dog, Brutus Larutus Kingsbury. So Chad.
Chad’s signature was not in handwriting, but in his smile. His smile entered the room and the rest of him followed. If you knew Chad most likely, right now you can hear his husky laugh. He would smile, laugh, and push his glasses up on his nose. Always. Without fail.
Chad had many gifts and talents. Some would say his gift of encouragement was his most obvious. Others would say it’s his serving heart. And yet others say, hands down, his teaching gift of God’s Word was rare and unique and led many youth and adults to Christ and to serve the God he loved so much.
Chad was born and raised in Memphis, TN. After graduating from Christian Brothers High School, he received a BA from Lambuth University and his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY.
Not one to really be called a pastor or minister, he would more often say... “to quote Mary, I am a servant of the Most High God” and that he was. He served with all his heart, - Chad style. He just had a way of reaching, teaching, and inspiring others to be everything God intended them to be.
Ask any youth or former youth who spent their summers at Lakeshore. Ask any youth who sat under his guidance at Northside Church, Jackson, TN,  or Columbus FUMC, MS.
They all say the same thing, “He changed my life for the better,” “He helped me find my way during a very difficult time,” “He was more fun than a barrel of monkeys,” “His hugs were the best ever.” Chad hugs/bear hugs…. same same.
Chad’s life was not easy. Not ever. But he was never a quitter. He served God’s people wherever his calling took him. His family says “thank you” to the many congregations that he had the privilege to serve and who loved on him through the years and for the “friends who stuck closer than a brother.” You know who you are. To one special friend, Will Dougan, Chad would say, “you were always there for me bro.” For the last several years, they were business partners and ran Golden Triangle Defensive Tactics. They taught gun safety classes together as well.
Chad’s obituary wouldn’t be complete without a few ‘shout-outs’ as he liked to say, but this time from his heartbroken friends to him… “he was a gentle giant and one of the kindest people ever,” “he was equal parts compassion & joy with a little backwoods mixed in to keep you on your toes,” “one of the best communicators of the gospel I knew,” “he simply loved people and accepted them as they are,” “he had a way of pulling people in, dropping the hammer, and hitting you in the face with the message,” “he once convinced me and my brother he was the only licensed ninja in Memphis. We believed him. Only Chad.”
So, we close this obituary with one of Chad’s long time sayings. “Blessed to be yoked with you friend.” Fly high, Chad Kingsbury. We will see you again on the other side. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.
(Due to the Pandemic, a celebration of life in Chad -style will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers,  a GoFundMe account has been established to assist with medical/health expenses. Donations in memory of Chad can be made at ChadKingsbury.com