Majors Darrell and Debbie Kingsbury are ending 44 years of service to the Salvation Army.
The Kingsburys, commander and associate commander of the Charleston Salvation Army, were honored during a farewell service on Sunday before their move to South Carolina.
“We’ll miss the day-to-day ministry in West Virginia, and we’ll miss the mountains and the generosity of the people,” Debbie Kingsbury said. “The West Virginia people are the most generous of all the people in any of the places we’ve ever served.”
Due to their love of music, the Kingsburys have been instrumental in helping at risk children by developing music camps, where children have also learned a love for music. Many of the children they’ve taught over the last 44 years have gone on to receive musical scholarships to college.
The Kingsburys will be replaced by Major Brooks Gilliam. Debbie Kingsbury said the Salvation Army will be in good hands, and Gilliam will successfully continue the Army’s mission.
The Kingsburys’ have only served Charleston for three years, but members say they’ve made a lasting impact on the community.
Board member Keith Collins said the Kingsburys left the Charleston Salvation Army better than they found it.
“They faced many challenges, but at the end of the day they worked tirelessly,” Collins said. “At the end of the day, every single one of our programs is better because of them.”
Collins said it’s hard to believe the Kingsburys will stop working, and thinks they will continue to serve the people in their new home of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
“I’m not sure they’ll actually retire,” Collins said.
Debbie Kingsbury agreed, and said they will continue to serve in South Carolina, and already have full calendars.
John Ballengee with the United Way thanked the Kingsburys for their service, and said the pair’s relationship with the United Way has been the best yet.
Barbara Dotson, a representative of the Salvation Army employees, thanked Darrell and Debbie for being so welcoming to all.
Dotson said the Kingsburys have helped save lives in Charleston, and thanked the pair on behalf of all employees.
“They have fought the good fight here,” Dotson said. “And they have finished this race.”
Under the Kingsburys’ leadership, the Salvation Army has increased the membership of the Boys and Girls Club and started a music camp for children.
Darrell Kingsbury is a musician by love, and has helped teach children how to play instruments and earn scholarships to college through music.
Reach Laura Haight at
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