Kevin was born on October 30, 1963 in Charlotte, NC. His childhood interests in skateboarding and cars led to a closet full of Vans and a shed full of miscellaneous parts. He may have grown up, but he never stopped playing. His spare time was filled with building models, racing RC cars, and planning pranks.
While working at Richway, Kevin asked Sherry Austin for her phone number in 1983, which she gave on a scrap piece of paper that he kept in his wallet for 40 years. They were married on June 30, 1984, 364 days after their first date, and have been holding hands ever since. He showed his love to Sherry (and his kids) with every car door opened, piece of laundry folded, and gas tank filled without asking.
Kevin began working at Moore Electric in 1985 unloading trucks. Eventually as an outside salesman, through the relationships he built, he ensured Charlotte’s bright future (or at least supplied the fixtures). And while the company’s name may have changed over the years, his presence remained.
In 1993, Kevin became a father with the birth of his daughter Avery, and four years later his son, Austin was born. He told them bedtime stories about little monsters, built book report dioramas, packed lunches with precision, and encouraged their every interest. He was always willing to drive across town (or the state), for a class, practice, game, or recital. When Austin started playing football in 2004, he jumped on board, learning everything he could, and Sundays were dedicated to the Panthers from that point forward.
The drive to school every morning was a musical education where no genre was off limits. His family studied artists spanning from Jimmy Buffet to Alan Jackson, Avril Lavigne, and The Police. He was committed to continuing his own education exploring albums from Hungarian gypsies, gas station rappers, and a beloved singing mailman. Though his family may not quite understand, Rush was always number one.
Kevin never ran out of ideas. His backyard was his sandbox, building (and rebuilding) decks, swing sets, and treehouses. When not tinkering at home, he was working to perfect the art of relaxation at his favorite place - any beach. He created beach carts out of PVC pipes, crafted a table to fit around the cooler, and experimented with new beach concoctions.
Kevin was gentle, quiet, and calm, often acting as the family mediator. He had a great sense of humor and a smile that at times meant he was up to something. He was loyal and supportive, rooting for the underdog in nearly every TV show. Kevin faced everything in his life with determination and intention, including his diagnosis with colorectal cancer.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Sherry; daughter, Avery; son, Austin; mother, Sandra and brother, Zach.
A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, June 26, at The Palmer Building, 2601 East 7th Street, with a visitation at 5:00 p.m. and service following at 6:00 p.m.
Our family would like to thank all of those who have reached out with thoughts, prayers, and support in recent months, in addition to Dr. Kunal Kadakia, Anna Catherine Morris, PA, and the staff at Levine Cancer Institute for their care.
In remembrance of Kevin, our family requests that if you have any photos, stories, or memories you would like to share, to please email [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, our family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Keep Pounding Fund for Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital (www.givecarolinas.org/keeppounding).
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