Individual Details

The State, Columbia, South Carolina, Wednesday, January 6, 2016: Lancaster--- Mr. Kenneth Michael Kirkpatrick, 68, of Columbia, formerly of Fort Lawn, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2016. He was born March 10, 1947, in Chapel Hill, NC, a son of the late George Bunyan Kirkpatrick and Evelyn McMath Kirkpatrick. Kenneth was predeceased by his older brother of two years, John Allen Kirkpatrick, who was hit by a drunken driver at age 7. Most commonly known as "Ken" or "Kenny," Mr. Kirkpatrick earned a Bachelor of Parks and Recreation from Clemson University in 1970. He was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and held the position of middle guard on the Clemson Tigers football team from 1965-67 under the leadership of coaches Frank Howard and Art Baker. Ken's dying wish was for his beloved Tigers to go 15-0 this season and win the National Championship. He lived to see his team win the Orange Bowl.

Ken was employed in the nuclear industry by Day & Zimmerman in ISI (In Service Inspection) where he received numerous certifications and forged many lasting friendships. He was also actively involved with the congregation of Ashland United Methodist Church in Columbia for many years. "He loved to live," writes Ashlyn Paisley Suttlemyre in her special memorial letter. This is an absolute truth to all who knew Ken, a people person who ministered so generously to others, always giving of his time and resources. It is an understatement to say that Ken will be missed.

Mr. Kirkpatrick is survived by his three sons: Kenneth Michael Kirkpatrick, II of Charleston, Christopher Shawn Kirkpatrick and his wife, Elise Renee, of Irmo, and Jonathan William Kirkpatrick of Irmo; three grandchildren: Joshua Blake and Emma Rose Kirkpatrick of Irmo, and Lucas Dogan Kirkpatrick of Charleston; dear friend and companion, Martha Horne Eastburn of Columbia and her family: daughters, Charlotte Groleau and Deborah Suttlemyre, wife of Wayne; and three grandchildren: Ashlyn Paisley and Adam Suttlemyre, and Charles Bruce Walsh; as well as many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Kirkpatrick will be held in Columbia on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Ashland United Methodist Church, with the Reverends Mike Bruce, Dr. Jim Nates, and Thom Jones officiating, followed by a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. in Elmwood Cemetery in Fort Lawn, SC, with the Reverend John Rumford officiating.

The family will receive friends before the memorial service in Columbia from 10-10:45 a.m. in the Ashland Hall reception area of the church, and immediately following the graveside service in Fort Lawn at the Woodmen of the World building located off Hwy. 21 beside the Wagon Wheel restaurant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clemson Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 31, Clemson, SC 29633, and to Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Notes to the family may be made at www.lancasterfuneralhome.com. Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Kirkpatrick.

Birth	10 Mar 1947	Chapel Hill, Durham Co., North Carolina
Marriage	20 Jan 1968	Pamela Hunter
Death	2 Jan 2016	Columbia, Lexington Co., South Carolina
Burial		Elmwood Cemetery, Fort Lawn, Chester Co., South Carolina

Spouse	Pamela Hunter ( - )
Child	Kenneth Michael Kirkpatrick II (1969 - )
Child	Christopher Shawn Kirkpatrick (1971 - )
Child	Jonathan William Kirkpatrick (1975 - )

Father	George Bunyon Kirkpatrick (1901 - 1961)
Mother	Evelyn McMath (1907 - 1986)
Sibling	John Allen Kirkpatrick (1945 - 1952)