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Kevin Joseph Wilbourn

FUNERAL HOME

Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center

5505 Monroe Road

Charlotte, North Carolina

Kevin Wilbourn Obituary

Kevin Joseph Wilbourn CHARLOTTE - Kevin Joseph Wilbourn, born March 12, 1962 in Davenport Iowa, died at home in Charlotte on December 21, 2012. He relocated to Charlotte in 1975 from Chicago, Illinois. He attended Charlotte Catholic High School and Graduated from Belmont Abbey College. A 5th Dan Black Belt Master Instructor in Hap Ki Do Karate, he owned and operated Charlotte Hap Ki Do and Chang's Hap Ki Do academies in Charlotte and Pineville. He also instructed at the Y.W.C.A. and the Cornwell Center. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph W. Wilbourn. He is survived by his mother, Donna J. Wilbourn, sisters Sue W. Smith and her husband Jim Smith, Fran Wilbourn and her husband Dink Nolen, Belinda Wilbourn, brother Joe Wilbourn, and nephews Shaun Smith, Oscar and Cesar Nolen. He touched the lives and made many lifelong friends through his instruction. He will be remembered for his eloquence, friendliness and his kind generous heart. Kevin will be missed by all who loved him. In remembrance of him, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital and Catholic Social Services Diocese of Charlotte. Memorial service is pending. Online condolences can be made at www.carolinafuneral.com. Arrangements entrusted to Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center

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Published by Charlotte Observer on Dec. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Wilbourn

Sponsored by Charlotte Hapkido .

30 Entries

Joseph Cox

June 23, 2024

I just saw this. My condolences to the family. I was childhood friends with Kevin's younger brother. I have fond memories of Kevin. When we were kids, we would always hang out at the nearby park. I was around 16 years old. Kevin liked to egg us on to wrestle him and try to take him down. All in fun. Sometimes 2 or 3 of us would pile up on him and he always would get out of it. I remember one time we almost had him down. He then bit me on the arm. It wasn't hard, but just enough to shock me and get me off of him. I busted out laughing and jumped back. I told him that wasn't fair and was cheating. He retorts back something to the effect, we didn't set any rules and life is not always fair, deal with it. A life lesson I took with me to this day. He always cracked me up. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Kevin Graham

January 17, 2023

I was his student for a few years and not a good one. He was patient. I think about him from time to time and thought I'd let the family know this.

Kevin Graham

Oscar Nolen

August 9, 2022

Love you Kevin.

Oscar Nolen

December 30, 2021

I was still pretty young when my uncle passed. Now I'm old enough to know that I wish I had known him better. I miss you Kevin.

Mitch

December 19, 2021

Kevin was more than my Martial arts teacher. He was a source of wisdom. He taught me life lessons I still
remember today. I miss you Sir.

Fran Wilbourn

December 16, 2019

I am thinking about my brother lately. He is missed .

George Adickes

March 27, 2019

March 2019 update:
Still think of Kevin not infrequently! Still miss ya & thanks for all the help you gave me in learning Hapkido...
REST IN PEACE My Brother!

Mitch Moure

February 18, 2019

Oh my GOD!!! - A good friend from BAC!!! - I was looking for him & look what I found - I AM SO SORRY - He was a great guy! We surely have missed you....You were quite to those that didn't know you & a BLAST to us!!!

God Bless you & your family - I am really SORRY for this lost - He was like a BROTHER to me.

RIP!!!

Martin Ketterer

May 31, 2018

I am very sorry to learn that Mr. Wilbourn is no longer with us. I was blessed to be one of his Hapkido students from '91 through '97. I learned so much from him. I was one of the older students,but it felt so natural to call him "Sir". I had to move to Florida for work, and I took Mr. Wilbourn out for lunch before I left to thank him for all his instruction, inspiration and his friendship.
That was back when Belinda was taking instruction also.

My condolences to the family - though I am so late. I have searched for information on Mr. Wilbourn a few times in the past, but, this obituary never came up.
I missed him when I moved to Florida and I still miss him today.
God Bless!

Trey Carpenter

February 25, 2017

A great man and I thought of him while watching Billy Jack tonight and happened upon this when looking up my old Hapkido school in Charlotte. I will always remember Kevin as a great teacher and a gentle, patient instructor. His large stature matched by his equally large, gentle heart. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Sir.

George Adickes

May 29, 2014

RIP KEVIN

May 29, 2014

RIP KEVIN

Mitchell Herkert

August 31, 2013

Mr Wilbourn was my daughter and my instructor for years.He meet my entire family and was liked by all.My father was called a man's man and he really liked him.He was a great and gentle man and I will truly miss him.I am sorry I did not stay in contact.

John Quigg

January 5, 2013

The Wilbourn family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Lee Stiles

January 4, 2013

Few, if any, have changed my life as profoundly and positively as Kevin. Knowing him and enjoying his immense generosity was a genuine privilege. As his student and friend, regardless of the situation, I always called him "Sir," and that is how I will always remember him..."Cheerios, Corn Flakes, Sir!" I sincerely hope that we will meet again.

William Murphy

January 4, 2013

I only knew Kevin for the last few years but I found him to be a very talented martial artist and a truly nice person. A big loss ....

Beau Bowers

January 3, 2013

Kevin was a generous teacher who had a passion for his teaching and great compassion for his students. And yes, the worst jokes imaginable. May your spirit find peace Kevin.

Richard Gay

January 3, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Belinda, and your family during this time. There are no words to express my sorrow...

James Comeaux

January 2, 2013

Yours was a life that impacted many. Your students are still around, doing their best in the here and now. Just like you taught us.

Kristin Anderson Rich

December 31, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilbourn family. Kevin was an important part of my life when I lived in Charlotte. He was an incredibly talented Karate instructor and person and I have the upmost respect for him. I am so sorry and deeply saddened for your loss.

Jamin Gardner

December 30, 2012

Kevin was an incredibly talented man. I was very proud to have been his student and will not forget what he taught me - or that occasional levity he could interject in class with some of the worse jokes that somehow never failed to make us laugh. Rest in peace friend.

Shan Lin

December 29, 2012

All those fond memories at the Y, setting up your first school, hanging out at Spiros' place watching movies... Rest in peace my brother.

Yasushi Osaka

December 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers to the Wilbourn family. It was great to know him as my teacher of Hapkido and friend. Rest in peace.

judy szoke

December 26, 2012

I will remember you as a gentle warm hearted, good man. Haven't heard of you in a long time hoping that you were out there happy...Speechless and sad remembering our good times.. Judy your former student and friend..

Fred Alsaghiar

December 26, 2012

My thoughs and prayers to the Wilbourn Family. I was one of the of Kevin's martial art Student from 1990 until the day I joined the Navy in 1998 . He was a great instuctor & he will be missed.

December 26, 2012

I will remember you as we last met...being gentle and kind...may you find peace.

M. Williams

December 25, 2012

I am sending my condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Joseph Wilbourn. We look forward to the time when we can see our loved ones again. John 11:23-26

Marianne Matos

December 25, 2012

I am so very sorry for the loss to my family in North Carolina. Kevin never said too much as we grew up as cousins, but he was one heck of an army major with those plastic soldiers. No one ever defeated him. And as you are in a peaceful place now, Kevin, you will never ever be defeated again. Rest in peace, cousin. You are in wonderful hands now. Be happy.

December 25, 2012

All my prayers and thoughts are with the family. I remember my nephew as a tall, beautiful boy and will always be blessed for having him as my nephew. God be with you, Kevin and with Donna, Susan, Fran and Joe, I will keep you all in mh prayers...Love, Aunt Jo Ann

Karyn Jaltuch

December 25, 2012

I will always remember my cousin with love. My prayers go out to my family, may God provide you peace and comfort.

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