James Kenneth Waldroup

James Kenneth Waldroup, of Robbinsville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully December 5, 2021.

     He is survived by his wife of 53-years Paula Waldroup; sons Kenneth Waldroup and wife Evelyn, John Waldroup and wife Leslie, Joshua Waldroup and wife Hanna and daughter Jennifer Siler and husband Josh.

      Kenneth was blessed with nine grandchildren: Kylie, Tristan, Madeline, Kristin, Logan Siler, Riley Siler Declan, Dashell and Daxton and numerous nieces and nephews.

      He was proceeded in death by his parents, Bonnie, and Fred Waldroup, and three sisters.

       A U.S. Army veteran, Kenneth served in the Vietnam War where he was decorated and wounded. While recovering from injuries, he completed his GED and took advantage of the GI bill to enter college. Graduating from Western North Carolina in 1971 with bachelor’s degrees in political science and history, Kenneth then acquired a Jurist Doctorate, graduating Suma Cum Laude from Wake Forest University in 1975. He would later return to school to acquire a Master of Education degree, with a focus on mathematics and science.

     At times a soldier, an attorney, a teacher, a farmer, and employee of local companies producing furniture or providing land clearing services, Kenneth lived a rich and expansive life. A member of the North Carolina Bar who remains on its inactive list, Kenneth was also a 46-year member of the Masonic Lodge (704) of Winston Salem and First Baptist Church of Robbinsville.

          Memorial Services will be held at 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Townson-Smith Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6:00 till 7:00 pm at the Chapel prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to donate to the Graham County Ambulance Services at 12 E Main Street, Robbinsville, NC 28771.

          Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Waldroup family.