Kenneth August Partin ’55, died on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center surrounded by family and friends. Son of the late K.W. and Wilma Partin, he was born on April 16, 1933 in Asheville.
Ken grew up in Beaver Lake and attended Grace School, David Miller Jr. High, Darlington School, Lee H. Edwards High School, Davidson College, and UNC-Chapel Hill. After graduating from college, Ken returned to Asheville to begin a professional career. He worked with Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. and Imperial Life Insurance Co., which was bought out by Western and Southern. In 1961, he became a part owner in Town and Country Realty and he started Heritage, Inc. in 1962 which he later sold in 1974 to GL Enterprises but remained with them until 1975. In addition to Heritage, he was also president of Imperial Land Corporation, Explorer Insurance Agency, Landmark Realty, and Kenneth A. Partin Enterprises, Inc. and was part owner in Southern Commercial Insurance Co. His construction company built over 2,500 homes and thousands of square feet of commercial space in Western North Carolina.
Throughout his professional career, Ken was active in the Asheville community. He was a member of the Asheville Jaycees, Asheville Association of Life Underwriters, Asheville Toastmasters, Asheville Chamber of Commerce, and Asheville Sales and Marketing Executive Club. He won the Jaycees Distinguished Award in 1967-1968. He was president of the Asheville Board of Realtors in 1966, president of the Home Builders Association of WNC in 1966 and 1967 and Builder of the Year in 1968, and a member of the Executive Committee for the North Carolina Home Builders Association. He was President of the Asheville Boys Club in 1975 and on Governor Moore’s Advisory Committee on Low Income Housing in North Carolina. Ken was active at Central United Methodist Church where he served on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee, and many other committees. He was also a Sunday school teacher and a lay speaker. He served on many community boards including Asheville Orthopedic Hospital, Thoms Rehabilitation Hospital, Lake Junaluska Assembly, Givens Estates, and Salvation Army.
Ken was a member of Central United Methodist Church for 80 years. His family, Sunday school classes, youth minister, and close friends had a positive influence over his life. He enjoyed sports and he particularly enjoyed coaching Biltmore-Valley Springs midget-mite football. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his many friends and had a strong faith that sustained him throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife, Emily S. Partin; daughter, Frances Elizabeth (Beth) Partin; son, Kenneth (Ken) M. Partin and wife, Peggy; sister, Betty P. Sloan, and husband, Ben; five grandchildren, Tamara, Teresa, Morgan, Kensley, and Caitlin; and four great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Central United Methodist Church with Dr. Robert Blackburn, Jr., Reverend Ed Hillman and Reverend Joe Fulk officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Private Interment will be held at Lewis Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, gifts should be made to Solace, ABCCM (Crisis Ministries), Givens Estates Resident Assistance Ministry, or Central United Methodist Church.
Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com