MAYSVILLE  -  SGTMAJ William "Bill" Kilpatrick, USMC, Retired, 87, of Maysville, died Sunday, January 21, 2024 at his home.

Mr. Bill was born in New Jersey on August 8, 1936 to the late, Franklin and Harriet Boyd Kilpatrick.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Reiko Kilpatrick in 2018.

Graveside funeral services, with military honors, will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Bill Kilpatrick, also known to some folks as Pat, said the two best decisions he made in life were to join the Marine Corps and to marry Reiko Miyagi. If you knew him, you knew Bill never did anything halfway.

He served on active duty just over 30 years and then, as Bill embodied the phrase, "Once a Marine, always a Marine," he continued to serve in a retired capacity for another 40 years.  Those fortunate to be invited to his annual Marine Corps Birthday Pig Pickin' (which he held rain or shine every year for 40 years), knew of his dedication to Corps, Country and Fun and joined him for a feast and a beer (or some 'shine) at Bill's annual version of the Marine Corps birthday celebration which included the playing (and full-throated singing) of the Marines' Hymn, cake cutting (with Bill's sword) and presenting the first pieces to the youngest and oldest Marines present.

His next best decision (chronologically) spanned almost 50 years - his marriage and life-long devotion to Reiko until her passing in 2018.  In keeping with how Bill did everything in a big way, when they wed, they did so many times, first in Okinawa - both civil and religious ceremonies - then again when they returned stateside.  Bill always joked they had all these ceremonies so he would remember he was married.

In the Corps and in life, Bill's leadership ALWAYS shone through regardless of whether he was serving with artillery or aviation units, as a drill instructor, as a recruiting supervisor, in combat (five tours in Viet Nam, that included his participation in the evacuation of Saigon), a Clubs officer, a corrections supervisor, or in his last active-duty assignment with General Al Gray, when he served as the Second Marine Division Sergeant Major.  Post retirement, Bill served as a warehouse supervisor for the PX (aka MCX) and he worked as a commercial fisherman for several years.  Everyone who knew Bill knew he worked hard and he played hard.  He served our community as an Onslow County (Piney Green) volunteer firefighter for several years, and was one of the founding members (along with his Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant Mafia friends) of the Regiment of Retired Marines. He helped oversee the monthly retired Marine breakfasts for 25+ years.

When Bill was relaxing, you could find him visiting with friends in Sid's or Richard's garage, or at Logan's Roadhouse where he was very popular and always looked forward to spending time with friends, especially his dear friends who worked there.

Bill had only a few relatives (Nancy and Lauren Hanlon and their families and Tracy Kilpatrick), who live across the country. Bill was very fond of them but was always quick to point out that he had no use for their liberal-leaning California, preferring the company of his friends at FOX News. When Bill's health forced him to lose some independence, he was blessed with several caregivers who lovingly provided the care he needed.  Bill appreciated their care and concern.

Bill was very charitable, so if you are able and inclined, please donate to any of his favorite charities (the Vietnam Veteran's Fund, Wounded Warriors, VFW, any law enforcement or firefighter organization, MCA, or the Alzheimer's Association) or to a charity of your choosing in his memory.

Survivors inculde his niece, Nancy Hanlon of Murrieta, California.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 1:00 until 1:45 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.