Beloved husband, father, grandpa, coach, and teacher, Gregory “Greg” James Killingsworth, 71, of Chester, California, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.
Greg was born to John and Yvonne Killingsworth on Nov. 25, 1952, in Nelson, California. He and his little sister, Debra (his biggest fishing competition), grew up in Durham, California, where he attended Durham Elementary and Durham High School. Greg was an exceptional athlete from birth. He mastered every sport he played, from golf to baseball to skiing to bowling, but basketball is where he fell in love. He played basketball for Butte College before transferring to California State University, Chico, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business and his teaching license. He later returned to Chico State for his master’s degree in physical education. He also continued his lifelong love of learning and sports by becoming a certified PGA Professional so he could teach golf when he retired.
In June of 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Clark, with whom he shares two children, Shay Marie Killingsworth (born April 1977), and Todd James Killingsworth (born December 1978). They divorced several years later. Greg remarried on June 12, 1982, to Lynn Leavy and embraced her daughter, Katrina Ann Lane, as his own. They welcomed a son, Brian Thomas Killingsworth, in June 1986. They spent most of their marriage in the Chester/Lake Almanor community, with some time in Durham, California, and Reno, Nevada. Greg and Lynn would have been married 42 years in June.
Greg, affectionately known as Killer, had only one teaching and coaching job in his career, and it was at Chester Jr/Sr High School. He started in September 1977, teaching business and typing while also coaching basketball and baseball. During his tenure at Chester High School, he also coached the golf team, taught computers, and personal finance, and finished his teaching career as an assistant vice principal. Killer was a mentor and teacher who prioritized not only success but also character development. His emphasis on the importance of being a good person alongside achieving goals was a valuable lesson for his students. He left a significant impact on those he taught, earning their respect through his genuine care and direct, yet compassionate, approach. Killer played a crucial role in shaping the lives and values of many lives, leaving a lasting legacy beyond the classroom.
Killer was also known for his passionate coaching style. Stern but fair, emotional but endearing, he was intent on bringing a family environment to Chester’s sports community. He loved the feeling of coaching and teaching players the game of basketball on the court and the game of life off the court. Each team Killer coached held a special place in his heart, but some of his greatest memories were while coaching his sons, Todd and Brian, during their high school years. His 30-year teaching and coaching journey led him to be remembered as one of the most accomplished and revered coaches and teachers at Chester High School.
After retiring from Chester High School in 2007, Greg worked as the original PGA professional at Bailey Creek Golf Course, as well as in Reno at Red Hawk Golf Club and Golf Tech. He loved fishing and hunting and reminiscing with buddies, as well as his former students and athletes. His laughter was contagious, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, and his hugs were unparalleled. We believe that we are never really gone as long as someone remembers us. Killer will always be remembered.
Greg is survived by his wife Lynn Killingsworth Chester, California; sister Debra Patrich (Gregg) Lake Havasu, Arizona; four children Katrina Zunino (Chase) Danville, California, Shay McDonald (Ryan) Beaverton, Oregon, Todd Killingsworth (Shelby) of Ashland, Oregon, and Brian Killingsworth of Reno, Nevada. Greg is also survived by his nine grandchildren; Rocco, Siena, Secily, Liam, Ella, Rowen, Gemma, Riley, and Dash. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, John and Yvonne Killingsworth.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 1 p.m. at the Chester High School gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Chester High School Athletics at P.O. Box 1374, Chester, California 96137.