Walker Bennett Kirkpatrick

Walker Kirkpatrick

Walker Bennett Kirkpatrick, 86, went to be with his Lord peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2017 at Westminster Health Center. Bennett was born on October 23, 1931 in Winnsboro, South Carolina to the late Joseph Leslie and Mamie Annie Kinard Kirkpatrick. After graduating from Clemson College in 1953 where he was a member of the Diving team and excelled in marksmanship, Bennett entered the US Army serving as First Lieutenant during the Korean War.
He had a long and satisfying career with Ralston Purina and later for Vestal Manufacturing Company until his retirement in 1994.
All who knew him knew of his great love for the outdoors. He was a model outdoor sportsman known for his outstanding hunting and fishing skills. He won numerous awards for his writings published in many outdoor sporting magazines. He was a member of Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and was awarded life membership to South Carolina Outdoor Press Association. He was the first recipient of The Bennett Kirkpatrick award of excellence that was established by SCOPe in his honor in 2017.
Bennett was faithful to Jesus throughout his life. He is remembered by his many friends as a man of integrity and loyalty. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
As an active member of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Associate Reformed since 1959 he served as Deacon, Elder and Elder Emeritus.
Bennett is survived by his wife of 60 years Etah Thompson Kirkpatrick; his sister, Dorothy Louise Kirkpatrick “Dot” of Richmond Kentucky; daughters, Etah Lenee’ Gower (Bruce) of Budapest, Hungary; Amber Thompson Hutto (Mark) of Orangeburg SC; and son, Joseph Bennett Kirkpatrick (Angela) of Rock Hill, SC; eight grandchildren Sheila and Laura Gower, Vivienne, Will and McGill Hutto, Lucy, Walker and Thompson Kirkpatrick.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 from 4 to 6 PM at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Associate Reformed, 2132 Ebenezer Road Rock Hill, SC. A funeral service will be held at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 3:00 PM. Burial will be in the church cemetery to follow the service.
Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Presbyterian Church 2132 Ebenezer Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732 or Hospice and Community Care 2275 India Hook Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29731.
Online condolences may be made to the Kirkpatrick family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home of York, South Carolina is serving the family.