Kyle Dwight Ellington

Mr. Kyle Dwight Ellington, (36 ) entered eternal rest on January 21st, 2023. Kyle is the son of a retired 20 yr U.S. Army Veteran who traveled and lived in Heidelberg, Germany and Watertown, NY before residing in Martinez, Ga in 1992. He moved to Athens, Ga and Atlanta, Ga after graduation. He moved to Sacramento, Ca in 2013 and lastly resided in 2021 to present in Oakland, Ca. He was born on July 26, 1986 in Watertown, NY to his loving parents to the late Willard Ellington, Jr and Julia M. Ellington. He received his early childhood education in Heidelberg, Germany and Martinez, GA. He was a High School graduate of Evans High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management from the University of Georgia-Terry College of Business and a Master’s of Education Degree in Human Resources Development and Organization Development also from University of Georgia. He then later earned his PHR in Sacramento, CA. Kyle worked several internships paid and unpaid, but especially enjoyed being an intern for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcons in the Human Resources Department. He worked for Levy Restaurants at the Georgia Dome, in Atlanta, GA as a Human Resources Coordinator. He worked as the Director of Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion (1st appointed DEI) for the Sacramento Kings. He also started the first internship program at the Sacramento Kings. Kyle was especially passionate in regards to empowering diversity within the workplace. During his time in Sacramento he also was on the Board of Directors on the Black Chamber of Commerce. He received the “Men of Honor” Award and the “Inclusion Innovation Award”.
Lastly, he became the first Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging for the Oakland Athletics. While with the Oakland A’s, Kyle played a key role in the organization receiving the “Best Front Office in Sport” Award. In Kyle’s honor, the Oakland A’s will be renaming the “Social Justice Fund” after him.

Kyle enjoyed spending time with family, friends and colleagues. He had a love of all sports and enjoyed going to sporting events. He played recreational sports including: youth soccer, basketball, football, baseball, AU golf and HS varsity basketball. He also played in a men’s basketball league. He coached little league basketball in Carmichael and the Greater Sacramento area.  In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf, hiking and listening to music.  Lastly, he had an everlasting smile and a personality that was contagious to everyone he met, and was beloved by so many.

Survivors include his loving family, mother, Julia M. Ellington, older brother, Eric N. Ellington, sister-in-law Lisa M. Ellington, niece Raven J. Ellington and host of uncles, aunts and cousins from the Mitchell, Ellington and Young families.

Kyle was preceded in death by: father, Willard Ellington, Jr., Paternal  Grandparents Willard Ellington, Sr, and Naomi Young and Maternal Grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Willie F. and Odessa A. Mitchell.

For interment, a private funeral will be held at:
                                                East Lawn Cemeteries Funeral Homes
                                                Officiated by Pastor (Sonny) Mark Hagen
                                                5757 Greenback Lane
                                                Sacramento ,CA 95841        

Family Gratitude
The family of Kyle. D. Ellington wishes to express their gratitude for each and every expression of love and concern extended to them during their hours of bereavement.
May God bless you.