Obituary: John Roy Kirkpatrick

John Roy Kirkpatrick, age 69, of the Solway community, died Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 from injuries received in an automobile accident.

He was born June 20, 1944, in Big Spring, Texas, the son of John Bernard Kirkpatrick and Mary Ruth Rasco Kirkpatrick.

Dr. Kirkpatrick graduated from Rice University with a PhD in nuclear engineering. He was employed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Dr. Kirkpatrick was active with a local hiking club and the local wine society. He was a member of Kern Memorial United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Kelley. They would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Jan. 29.

He is also survived by stepson, Danny Kelley and wife Ibolya of Knoxville; stepdaughter, Julie Weatherford and husband Erik of Oak Ridge; brother, Jim Kirkpatrick and nephew, William Kirkpatrick, both of San Antonio, Texas; and five grandchildren: Esther and Ursula Weatherford, and Nicholas, Hunter and Josephine Kelley.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 5:30–7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m., with Rev. Don Morris officiating. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.