Victor C. Kimmel

Obituary of Victor Kimmel Victor Charles Kimmel, son of Charles Arthur Kimmel and Velma Pearl Elton, was born on May 29, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan and passed away on November 16, 2014, in Leesburg, Florida. Vic grew up in Detroit, Michigan in the area of West Grand Boulevard and Tireman Avenue. Vic's first job was at Kline's women's apparel store in downtown Detroit, making 37 ½ cents per hour. Vic's mother was also employed at Kline's. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Vic was called back to service in 1953, spending two years in the Army. He embarked on his sales career in 1954 as a manufacturer's sales rep for Hortex Mfg., selling Billy the Kid Blue Jeans. In 1961 Vic found his niche as a manufacturer's sales rep in the souvenir industry, where he excelled for over 50 years, and was recognized as a Living Legend in 2004 at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Vic was a proud Free Mason and member of Livonia United 152. On July 27, 1970, Vic married N.J. "Joey" Tutor Olson in Walled Lake, Michigan. Vic and Joey founded VCK, Inc. in the mid 70's. During the past five decades, this successful, thriving enterprise has had the good fortune of working with some of the finest companies in the souvenir industry, such as Wheeler Mfg. Co., Inc. of Lemmon, South Dakota. He and Joey enjoyed splitting their time between homes in Leesburg, Florida and Cherokee, North Carolina. Vic is survived by his loving wife Joey of Martin, Tennessee; a son, John Thomas Kimmel (Tammy) of Sylva, North Carolina and daughter, Dawn Kimmel Roberts (John) of Tallahassee, Florida; five grandchildren: Courtney Jo Kimmel and Aaron Michael Kimmel of Sylva, North Carolina, Lindsey Minsch of Cincinnati, Ohio and Madison Kimmel Roberts and Logan Kimmel Roberts of Tallahassee, Florida; and other beloved family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Beyers Funeral Home, 1123 West Main Street, Leesburg, Florida, 34748. The family of Victor Kimmel would like to express their gratitude for the participation of the Lake County Veterans Honor Guard and the Masonic Memorial Lodge #18 F&AM in the memorial service. Memorial donations may be made to the Central North Florida Alzheimer Association in memory of Victor Kimmel, (407) 951-7992 or mail to: Central North Florida Alzheimer Association 378 Centre Pointe Cir. Unit 1280, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701.

Victor C. Kimmel

May 29, 1927 - November 16, 2014