James Kenneth Waldroup, 74 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Bonnie Crisp Waldroup and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Paula Waldroup; sons, Kenneth and wife Evelyn Hall Waldroup, John and wife Leslie Orr Waldroup, and Joshua and wife Hanna Causby Waldroup; and daughter, Jennifer Siler and husband Josh Siler.
Kenneth was blessed with nine grandchildren: Kyle, Tristan, Madeline, Kristin, Declan, Dashell and Daxtin Waldroup, and Logan and Riley Siler.
As a U.S. Army veteran, Kenneth served in Vietnam, assigned to 101st Airborne and then was attached to the Rangers. There he was awarded three bronze medals, of which two were with valor and a Purple Heart. He completed his GED while in service. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he graduated from Western Carolina University in 1971, with bachelor’s degrees in political science and history. He later returned to add a master’s degree in math and science.
Kenneth then acquired a jurist doctorate, graduating summa cum laude from Wake Forest University in 1975. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta and served as a campaign manager for Gov. James B. Hunt.
He passed the North Carolina Bar in 1975 and practiced law for three years, until he asked to be placed on the inactive file. Like most combat veterans, he had begun to struggle with PTSD. And like most Vietnam veterans, Agent Orange slowly worked away at his healthy body.
At times a soldier, a teacher, an attorney, a farmer, an employee of companies producing carpet, or providing land-clearing services. Kenneth lived a rich and expansive life.
Kenneth was also a 46-year member of Masonic Lodge No. 704 of Winston-Salem, N.C.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 at Townson-Smith Funeral Home. Visitation started at 6 p.m. and the funeral was at 7 p.m.
The Rev. Noah Crowe officiated.