May 16, 2023, 76, Mount Olive –
Thomas Clifton “Tom” Kilpatrick, 76, died Tuesday morning at Genesis Health & Rehab in Mount Olive surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Iris Price Kilpatrick, two daughters Tiffany K. Creech and husband Asa of LaGrange, and Audra C. Gray of Kenansville; two sons, Thomas Clifton “Cliff” Kilpatrick II and wife Sabre, and Collin Dalton Kilpatrick and wife Amber. Tom is also survived by his sister Marie K. Abrams and husband Buck of Dudley. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Edward Asa “Eddie” Creech and wife Colleen, Eddie Carlyle, Jr., Apsley C. Brock and husband Cody, Guy Kilpatrick, Patriot Kilpatrick, Maggie Kilpatrick, and Reagan Kate Kilpatrick; two great-grandchildren, Asa Clay Creech and Charlotte Jackson Creech.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Forrest Clifton and Maggie Hopkins Kilpatrick.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. at “The Church on the Hill” cemetery, Seven Springs. The family will receive friends following the graveside service and formally at Kilpatrick Homestead Farm located at 2495 NC Hwy 55 East, Mount Olive on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
NC Farm Families
P.O. Box 61
Kenansville, NC 28349
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Tom spent most of his life on his family farm raising hogs and working a full-time job until retirement with William Barnet and Son – an affiliate of Dupont. He took pride in his work as a Process Engineer overseeing the manufacturing of Kevlar fiber for various end products.
Farming was his passion and he worked very hard to provide a good life for his family. Tom was happiest surrounded by his family and friends either under the shelter behind his barn or on the porch at the beach enjoying the sun and a cool breeze. He was a master BBQ chef who was always willing to cook a pig for any occasion. The secret was in his sauce and he was careful not to let anyone see how much salt went into it. He was sure that folks would not eat it if they saw him apply the salt.
A devoted family man Tom always kept ties to his extended family, calling them often and traveling with Iris to see them when they could. He had a very special bond with his sister Marie, even though he once shot a hole in her finger with a BB while she was holding a pecan for him to practice his aim.
Tom always enjoyed a friendly game of cards at the barn and loved every type of gathering that involved all his grandchildren running through the yard, laughing, and playing together with their cousins. With strong, conservative values, Tom was guided by his beliefs and a strong love for his family. He was a kind old soul and will be remembered for the warmth he extended, and for being ever present for his family.
