He graduated from NC State University as an industrial engineer and did that for a few years. He then became the first Risk Manager at Baptist Hospital in Miami where he worked for 40 years.
He is leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and quiet strength and he loved his family above all else.
Kilby is survived by his loving wife, of 54 years, Elaine, his children, Karla (David Fathauer) and Kevin (Jacque Strickland); and cherished granddaughters, Stephanie, Shawna (Jimmy Reingardt) and Bella; three great grandchildren; and sister Janis Dempster along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings MT, Ruby Jean Webb, and Joyce McLamb.
He loved sports and smoking pork BBQ. He was a do-it-yourselfer and did many projects around his home. He loved to dance, especially the shag. During the summers he lived in the mountains of NC and he played a good game of golf almost every day.
In lieu of flowers – donations may be made to VIA Health Partners Charlotte Region (Hospice) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 9800 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina 28227, on October 2, 2026, at 11:00 am.
