Kerry James “Papa Kik” Hargrave, age 73, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, surrounded by love. He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and spent his early childhood there before his family settled in Kilgore, Texas, a place that would remain home to him in both heart and life.

Kerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Blackie Hargrave; his siblings, Guy Hargrave and Donna Hargrave; and his lifelong childhood friends, Neal Laird and Earl Griffin.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Hargrave; his children, Jessica Hargrave and Jared Hargrave and his wife, Adrienne; his grandchildren, Miller, Graham, and Emma Ford; his brother, Vernon Hargrave and his wife, Pat; his brothers-in-law, Bill and L’sha Stanley and David and Amy Stanley; and his sister-in-law, Susanne Finnell, and her husband, Carl Finnell; along with cousins, nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.

Kerry graduated from Kilgore College and attended Stephen F. Austin State University. He was a salesman at heart from the very beginning. He began his career in sales with Samsonite in the 1970s, later opening a local appliance store, Hargraves, alongside his brother Guy. He went on to spend the remainder of his professional life in the oil and gas industry, where he worked in sales and eventually as a sales team manager—roles that suited him well because they let him do what he loved most: connect with people.

More than any job title, Kerry will be remembered for who he was. He loved life and loved people—deeply and genuinely. He was funny, steady, generous, quietly stubborn, and always dependable. His faith was central to his life, and he shared it joyfully, including serving as a music leader at church. He loved all sports, especially baseball in his younger years, and later found great joy on the golf course. Above all, he treasured time with his friends and family and was always there when someone needed him—no questions asked.

Kerry’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, and presence. He showed up. For family. For friends. For anyone who needed a hand, an ear, or encouragement. That’s how he lived, and that’s how he’ll be remembered.

A memorial service celebrating Kerry’s life will be held on Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 PM at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, Texas with Rev. Dudley Plaisance officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation, Helping Hands of Kilgore P.O. Box 1576 Kilgore, Texas 75663 , or the Kerry and Gail Hargrave Scholarship at Kilgore College, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore, Texas 75662.