Mr. Andrew Lomax “Bud” Kilby Sr., passed away July 18, 2018 at the age of 92.
He was born January 13, 1926 to Andrew Franklin Kilby and Grace Lomax Kilby. Mr. Kilby was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Betty Summers Kilby, and his sister, Grace Frank Mayberry.
Mr. Kilby is survived by his children: Andrew Lomax Kilby, Jr. (Mary); John Asbury Kilby, Sr. (Phyllis); and Betty Ann Kilby. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sarah Kilby Munson (Scott), Anne Kilby, Elisha Grace Kilby Jernigan (Justin), John Asbury Kilby, Jr. (Lacey), Jenni Foster Roope, Beau Foster (Katy); and by his great-grandchildren: Drew Roope, Grey Roope, Harrison Jernigan, Pierce Jernigan, and Lizzie Foster.
Mr. Kilby was President of Yadkin Valley Motor Company, North Carolina’s oldest Ford dealership established in 1915. He worked there six days a week, arriving by 6:30 AM, until 6 days before his death.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro, NC and served as superintendent of the Children’s Building there for 20 years. He was also a past member of the Board of Directors of Wilkes General Hospital serving as its Chairman during a major expansion. He was a charter member of Oakwoods Country Club, the North Wilkesboro Elks Club, the Kiwanis Club, and a past member of Ford’s Dealer Council.
He attended Davidson College prior to his voluntary enlistment in the US Army Air Force on December 7, 1943.
He proudly served as a bottom-turret and waist gunner on a B24 Liberator bomber during World War II in the 2nd Bomb Squadron of the 22nd Bomb Group of the 5th Air Force. The majority of B24s were made at Ford Motor Company’s Willow Run Plant.
When the war ended, Mr. Kilby served as part of the US occupation force in Japan. After leaving the military service, Mr. Kilby attended college in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
He returned from there in 1948 to work as a partner with his father at Yadkin Valley Motor Company in 1948. He worked at Yadkin Valley his entire life beginning in his early teens.
A graveside service with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 will be held at Mountlawn Memorial Park, 10:00 AM Friday, July 20, 2018, with Dr. Bert Young and Rev. Steve Snipes officiating. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held in the Wayland Hall of First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro at 11:00 AM.
The family requests no food. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro.
Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.