Gary Phillip Kilpatrick

Gary Philip Kilpatrick passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital with his devoted daughter by his side.
Gary was born to the late Fred Warren Kilpatrick Sr. and Blanche Fox Kilpatrick and was proud to be a fifth-generation family member of the Ranger community. Gary touched many lives in both his personal and professional endeavors. He loved his Lord, his family, his community and his country.
Gary served 8,000 hours to complete an apprenticeship to become a First-Class Boilermaker at TN Chemical Co. in Copperhill and was a member of the Boilermakers Union.
In 1972, Gary became a NC Probation and Parole Officer. He was the Charter Chief of the Ranger Volunteer Fire Department and later became the first Fire Marshall of Cherokee County. He was a member of the Cherokee County Board of Elections for 25 years, serving 17 years as Chairman.
Gary was Civitan Citizen of the year in 1987, and Farm Bureau Fireman of the Year in 1982.
He was a lifetime member of Ranger United Methodist Church, where he served in various positions, including Board of Trustees for 52 years, Chairman of Cemetery Committee and Parsonage Committee for 35 years.
In addition to his
parents, he is preceded
in death by his brothers, Fred Warren Kilpatrick, Jr., James "Pat" Kilpatrick, and Dale Kilpatrick; and his sisters, Gladys Keenum, Regina Ledford and Ruth Moss.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Baine Kilpatrick; his son, Dwayne Kilpatrick (Carol) of Lenoir City, Tenn.; his daughter, Monica Holley-Sullivan (Tim); his brother Richard (Lorraine) of Murphy; his grandchildren, Justin Holley (Jewel Sykes) and Jayda Holley, and special caretaker, Allyson Brank. Plus, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy with Pastor Tim Lee officiating. Burial was in Ranger United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Rick Kilpatrick, Kevin Kilpatrick, Justin Holley, Mike Keenum, Steve Kilpatrick, and Jeff Manson.
The family received friends from noon-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Ranger UMC Cemetery Fund at 154 Walker Road, Murphy, NC, 28906.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at townson-rose.com.