Clater Parker Killebrew Jr (CP), 71, of Tarboro, passed away on October 15, 2024. He was surrounded by family and friends and comforted by Willie Nelson as he transitioned to his Heavenly reward. CP was born in Rocky Mount on May 2, 1953, to Clater Parker Killebrew and Millie Bradley Killebrew.

A funeral service is planned for 11:30 AM on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro with the Reverend Kim Lail officiating. Burial will follow at McKendree Church Cemetery.

CP grew up on the family farm with lots of relatives and close friends that one can only find in a rural farming community. He was active in the 4-H Club and FFA during his youth. He graduated from West Edgecombe High School in 1971. After high school he joined the US Army and was enlisted until the time of his automobile accident while home on leave. The accident left him a quadriplegic, but he did not let that impact his spirit and determination.

After his accident, he built his life on the four pillars of love, support, family, and community. These four pillars supported his faith in God. The love, support, family, and community were evident from those around him that would visit to offer encouragement through his life. He magnified this encouragement outwardly many times over through his interactions with those that would visit, write, and call. His concern for others was foremost in his life and he more often than not felt sympathy and compassion for others rather than feeling sorry for himself.

CP managed the family farm from the time of his father's passing in 2005, up until the time of his death. He could often be seen in the farm truck traveling throughout the county, checking on the family crops and seeing how the other farmers were faring. His ability to drive and get out were diminished when he developed macular degeneration. He still did not let that bring him down, and chose to continue to manage the farm in his later years from his chair and his bed.

In addition to farming, he had an insatiable desire for reading and would usually complete 2-3 books per week. The technology for his reading was able to adapt to his life and moved from hardcover/paperback books, to E-books, to audio books. He had a special interest in military and presidential history. He could recite the US Presidents, their Vice-Presidents, political parties, and campaign opponents. He especially seemed to enjoy true life stories where people were able to overcome circumstances when the odds were stacked against them.

CP's love for family was unparalleled. He was able to harness this by spending countless hours compiling a family tree for the Killebrew and Bradley families. He emailed many relatives throughout the country to make sure that the family trees were expanded and up-to-date with the most recent births, marriages, and deaths. He was always a ready resource if you needed to know who you were related to, where they lived, and what happened to them.

His love for family was limitless when it came to his nieces, nephew, and their children. The first generation was often spoiled spending time with him with whatever toy, video, or other distraction they wanted. After they moved away with families of their own, he cherished the return visits with the grand-nieces and grand-nephews. They would often gather around Uncle CP when everyone was in town for a grand pizza party.

CP was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Clater Killebrew and his brother, Al Killebrew.

CP is survived by his Brother Randy Killebrew (Shelley) of Tarboro, NC; Sister-In-Law Cindy Killebrew of Tarboro, NC; Niece Kristal Glover (Ken) of Jamestown, NC; Niece Meg Lawson (Daniel) of Southbury, CT; Nephew Brad Killebrew (Lauren) of Apex, NC. He is also survived by many Grand-Nieces and Grand-Nephews.

The family would like to thank the long term caregivers, helpers, and adopted family Kioma Williams and Lawrence Battle who have faithfully and loving supported CP over the many years. The family would also like to thank Erma, Neesie, Sadie, Shae, Shirley, and Virginia for their many hours of care and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to McKendree United Methodist Church c/o Lesa Walton, 4122 Nobles Mill Pond Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27801.

The family will welcome visitors at the home of Randy and Shelley Killebrew, 3810 Harts Mill Run Rd, Tarboro, NC on October 16 and 17. Visitation will also be held at Carlisle Funeral Home prior to the service on October 18 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM.