Robert Sheridan Kilpatrick

Robert Sheridan Kilpatrick, 90, of Andrews, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, March 12, 2023. Known as Rob to his friends and family, he was a native of the Marble community. Born on February 14, 1933, Rob was the son of the late Royall Thomas and Jessie Mable Anderson Kilpatrick. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jack, Kermit, Ernest “Hun,” John Morgan “Morg,” and sisters Madge Kilpatrick (infant), Ola Kilpatrick May, and Elaine Kilpatrick Amos.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Juanita Crisp Kilpatrick and their four children, Karen Kilpatrick Reaver (Stanley) of Maryland, Robin Kilpatrick Allen (Jim) of Murphy, John Kilpatrick (Sheila) of Andrews, and Alan Kilpatrick of Marble, their grandchildren, Shawn Hooper, Rick Reaver (Jen), and Scott Reaver (Kimmy) of Maryland, Jimmy Allen (Shelley) of McCaysville, GA, and Emily Kilpatrick Merritt (Seth) of Andrews, plus nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and his brother, Eric Kilpatrick of Marble.

During his childhood, Rob felt a deep, rooted connection to the mountains he called home, a connection which never faded throughout his lifetime. It was in this valley of his beloved mountains that he met his soulmate, Juanita Crisp, and they married on January 10, 1953. He worked at Berkshire Mills, Remco, Magnavox, and Baker Furniture, from which he retired after many years of dedicated work. He was a coach for his sons’ baseball teams, took many family outings and picnics with his famous frying pan in the family pickup truck “Old Red,” and taught Sunday school at Andrews First Baptist Church, where he is a member. The Nantahala Gorge and Wayah Bald were two of his favorite spots for picnics or “tater” and fish frys with his family and his fishing buddies, Leonard Stillwell and Howard Crisp.

Rob always looked forward to spring, when he could walk the mountains to dig in the ramp patches and gather poke salat. He spent hours roaming the hills reflecting on his life and having talks with God. He also liked walking in his neighborhood where he enjoyed stopping to talk with his neighbors. Every summer he would spend his evenings in his garden and he derived immense joy from being able to gift his family, friends, and community members with fresh vegetables. Rob’s love of music was profound, and he loved playing his banjos, fiddles, and harmonicas in addition to listening to his favorite artists from Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, and Don Williams to Celtic Woman. He passed his love for music on to his family, most of whom sing and have been involved with music throughout their lives.

During his many back yard football and baseball games with his children and neighborhood kids, he took the opportunity to impress upon all of them a love for God and a responsibility for their local community. He was extremely intelligent, curious, and a staunch proponent of education. He loved to read and read everything from science and medical texts to westerns, science fiction, and literary classics.

While the family feels a great void with the loss of his presence, they are comforted to know that he is no longer suffering, he is at peace, and now he is running down the streets of gold toward the crystal river and the mountains he loved so dearly.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 3 pm at Andrews First Baptist Church with the Reverend Mickey Stewart and Reverend Calvin Bobo officiating. Interment was in the Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were Seth Merritt, Jimmy Allen, Bill Dahdah, Michael McGuire, Shawn Hooper, Jeff Womack, and Jake Buchannan.

The family received friends from 1-2:45 pm Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Andrews First Baptist Church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in memory of Robert Sheridan Kilpatrick be sent to Andrews High School, 50 High School Drive, Andrews, NC 28901, to promote higher education for local students. Please note “scholarship funds” in the memo area. Cash donations may also be taken to the school.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.