Bill Ronnie Kirkpatrick

Bill Ronnie Kirkpatrick, age 88, died peacefully in the arms of his daughter on Sunday, February 12, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irene Messrah Kirkpatrick, sons- Steve Kirkpatrick (Deborah), John Kirkpatrick (Pilar), daughter- Debbie Radcliff (Connell), grandchildren- Elizabeth Petree (Austin), Michael Kirkpatrick (Brittany), James Kirkpatrick, Corey Radcliff, Cathlene Kirkpatrick, Nicolette Kirkpatrick, Carolanne Radcliff and Tyler Kirkpatrick, great grandchildren- Adair Petree, Gavin Petree and Sammy Kirkpatrick, many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Abby.

Born in Centre, AL on September 1, 1928, he grew up in Rome, GA and later moved to Los Angeles, CA, enlisting and serving in the United States Navy in World War II. After marrying Irene Messrah in Los Angeles on December 17, 1950 they moved to Atlanta, GA where they raised their 3 children. Working with an architectural firm, he supervised many large projects in the Atlanta area including many churches, schools and most notably the Georgia Governor’s Mansion. He later started his own business, Homeowners Home Inspection Service, inspecting homes for the VA, HUD and private homeowners, retiring after 30+ years. This past November he and his wife moved to the Raleigh area to be cared for by his daughter and her family.

Bill had a passion for gardening and always had a beautiful yard complete with stone waterfalls and ponds, however his greatest joy was his family whom he loved more than anything. His most admirable trait was his heart of gold, never asking for much, always wanting to please and encourage. In his later years, while bravely dealing with congestive heart failure, Bill maintained his charm and personality. Whenever asked how he was doing, his constant response, given with a smile as big as his heart, was always, “if I was any better, I couldn’t stand it!”

He is in heaven now with his beloved parents, John and Rannie Kirkpatrick (whom he lost at a very early age), brothers- Edgar and Tom, sisters- Dixie, Ruby and Nell and two baby siblings.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 18 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 18 from 10:30-11am at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary.

Arrangements for the Kirkpatrick family are under the care of Brown-Wynne Cary. Online condolences may be made at www.brownwynnecary.com.