Haven Leaston Kicklighter Jr.

Haven Leaston Kicklighter, Jr., 82, of Marietta, Georgia passed away peacefully on August 29 after many years of struggling with Parkinson's disease. He was born in 1944 to Haven Leaston Kicklighter, Sr. and Marjorie Hooten Kicklighter, of Glennville, Georgia.

Haven grew up in Glennville, where he quickly established himself as one of the finest athletes to come out of the community, earning varsity letters in football, soccer, and track and building a reputation as a standout football player. In 1961 he was named the best Back in Georgia and was the featured member of the All-State Class B football squad. In 1962 he was recognized as one of the state's top high school players and was selected to play at Halfback in the Georgia Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game.

Haven continued his football career at Woodberry Forest Prep School in Virginia before enrolling at the Georgia Institute of Technology. At Georgia Tech, Haven played football for legendary head coach Bobby Dodd, starting at Defensive Back in 1964, 1965, and 1966. He was a member of Georgia Tech's 1965 Gator Bowl championship team and played in the 1966 Orange Bowl. Among his most memorable plays was a blocked punt against Auburn during the 1966 season. Following his time on the Flats, Haven spent a preseason with the San Diego Chargers.

Haven earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech, where, in addition to his time on the football field, he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He remained a proud and notable alumnus of Georgia Tech throughout his life. Haven's distinguished career as a licensed Professional Engineer, specializing in geotechnical engineering, culminated at 2MNEXT, which he co-founded and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Engineer. Previously, he reached the levels of Chief Engineer at Accura Engineering and Consulting Services, Inc. and Principal Engineer at Law Engineering (now MACTEC).

Over the course of his six-decade career, Haven's expertise contributed to many of Atlanta's most significant landmarks and infrastructure projects, which include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, MARTA rail system, Atlanta BeltLine, Georgia World Congress Center, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and several of Atlanta's major sports venues.

In recognition of his professional achievements, Haven received Georgia Tech's Academy of Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award in 1996. He was awarded in 2018 the George F. Sowers Piedmont Award, one of geotechnical engineering's most respected honors, which celebrates sustained excellence and mentorship and an impact on the profession that extends beyond one's own accomplishments. Haven greatly advanced his field by mentoring generations of engineers, freely sharing his knowledge and wisdom and helping shape careers throughout Atlanta's engineering community.

Far above his athletic and professional accomplishments, however, were Haven's obvious love of and devotion to his family. He was a committed husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. While supporting Sandy in her businesses and endeavors, he coached his three sons in baseball and football, taught their Sunday School classes, volunteered when he could help, and attended as many as possible games and events in which his sons and, later, grandchildren participated. He was an avid runner throughout his life and found particular joy in building rooms and walls, beds and tables, porches and sunrooms, and even a pond complete with a waterfall.

Haven, soft-hearted, steady, present, and always ready to serve, was dearly loved and respected by all. He was a man of deep faith and a commitment, serving in various capacities, including many mission trips and work weeks around the country and world, using his skills and showing the love of Jesus to others. His relationship with His Father and Savior shaped the way he lived, led, and loved throughout his life. Haven was just as genuine, caring, and humble as he was brilliant and athletic.

Although Parkinson's took so much from him, he handled the growing disabilities with grace and with gratitude for all he had been given and still enjoyed, especially his family and many devoted friends. 

Haven is survived by his beloved wife Sandra Thames ("Sandy") to whom he was married for 59 years, and his sons Haven Leaston ("Trey") Kicklighter, III (Susan) of North Carolina, Jerry Tyler Kicklighter (Emily) of Alabama, and Taz Hunter Kicklighter (Christi) of Tennessee. He is survived by his grandchildren Bode and Hayes Kicklighter; Clair Kicklighter Watkins (Fisher) and Leaston, Sally, and Sidney Kicklighter; and Carlee, Hunter, and Havie Kicklighter and by his great-grandson Walker Watkins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, September 20 at 2:00 at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, followed by a time of visitation with his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org/give).

You are encouraged to share a memory of Haven and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home is honored to asisst his family with these arrangements.