Kale Albritton

Ellis Kale Albritton, 82, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Born on January 6, 1942, in Bartow, Florida, Kale was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend.

Kale was the son of Jack and Eddyth Albritton. He grew up in Bowling Green, Florida, and after graduating from Hardee High School, attended Florida Southern College, where he earned a BS in Physical Education and was a proud member of the baseball team. He later earned a master’s in education from the University of Mississippi.

Early in his career, Kale was a teacher and coach. The rest of his life was dedicated to the auction business, and he owned and operated Albritton Auctioneers for over 30 years. He was deeply involved in the Florida Auctioneers Association, serving as its past President and earning the prestigious Lou Dell Award.

A man of faith, Kale was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, where he found a strong sense of community and purpose. His love for sports was evident in his passion for baseball, golf, and fishing, and he cherished attending games and activities involving his grandchildren.

Kale is survived by his loving wife, Sue Pepper Albritton; children Tracy (Mike) Wilson, Cheryl Soudijn, and Keith (Payton) Albritton; grandchildren Zoe (Jode) Livingston, Brooks (Sarah) Wilson, Evan Soudijn, Lily Soudijn, Jake (Kristy) Albritton, Luke (Sarah) Albritton, Matthew Albritton and fiancé Gracie Schackow, and Faith Albritton; great-grandson Harrison Livingston; siblings Sandra (Howard) Hampton, Betty (David) Durastanti, and Jackie (Ed) Hammerberg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Eddyth Albritton.

A visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, Florida, on Friday, August 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM and a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Suite 709, Clearwater, FL 33762, or First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible and caring healthcare staff at Lakeland Regional Health for their compassionate care during Kale’s final weeks.

Kale was a man who loved deeply and was immensely proud of his family. He was a steadfast friend and a man of God. As the scripture says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)