HAMPSTEAD — Robert Clair “Beau” Kirkpatrick, 65, passed away at his home in Hampstead on August 17, 2026.
Born March 20, 1961, to Sarah Williams Kirkpatrick Funderburk and Robert Manget Kirkpatrick, Beau spent his early years in Charlotte, where some of his fondest childhood memories were summers spent with his grandparents in Atlanta. He also treasured time spent in Milton, North Carolina, where his mother grew up and where he maintained a special connection to his family’s roots. He later made his home in Wilmington, graduated from Camden Military Academy, and attended Gardner-Webb College in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
A gifted, self-taught carpenter and craftsman, Beau had a natural ability to build and create with his hands. That talent, combined with his determination and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually led him to start his own marine construction business. He took great pride in his work and had a knack for figuring things out and finding a way to make things work. In later years, he continued to enjoy working with his hands, building handcrafted porch swings.
Beau had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors and was especially at home on the water, whether boating or fishing. He also enjoyed hunting, woodworking, NASCAR, collecting coins and Hot Wheels cars, and gathering with family and friends for oyster roasts and cookouts.
Some of the most important times in Beau’s life were those spent with his three sons. When they were growing up, he coached their baseball and soccer teams and took them along on countless adventures, passing along his love of the outdoors and creating memories they would carry with them throughout their lives. His beloved yellow Labs, Polar and Izzy, were also constant companions and held a special place in his heart.
Beau had a charm all his own and truly never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and had a way of making an impression wherever he went. Strong-willed and always willing to speak his mind, Beau was unmistakably himself. He lived life on his own terms and cared deeply for the people who mattered most to him.
Beau was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Williams Kirkpatrick Funderburk and Robert Manget Kirkpatrick.
He is survived by his sons, Robert Christopher Kirkpatrick and wife Arianna, Corey Matthew Kirkpatrick, and Alex Brandon Kirkpatrick; and the mother of his children, Lori McAllister Kirkpatrick. He also leaves behind extended family, friends, and the many people whose paths crossed his over the years.
Information regarding services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Beau’s memory consider making a donation to a local animal shelter or rescue organization, reflecting the special place animals held in his heart.
