Mr. Kidd of Charlotte, North Carolina, peacefully went home to be with our Lord, Saturday, May 15, 2004, at his home surrounded by his loving wife, Helen, and family. Born November 7, 1924 to Chester W. and Bonnie Kidd, Sr., he spent his lifetime serving his Lord, his family, his community and his country. After graduating Long Creek High School in the 1940’s, he married his high school sweetheart and worked at Southern Electric before proudly joining the Army Air Force 8th Division in the 489th Bomb Group during WWII. He flew a B-24 bomber over France and Germany completing 35 perilous missions. For this he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Oak Leaf Clusters. After returning home on Christmas Day, as he had promised Helen, he began what is now his legacy to his four children, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He created the Rockin’ K Ranch, their home on Miranda Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. He prospered in business with his construction company, a general store, the Rockin’ K Motel in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Mecklenburg Abattoir and other businesses – too many to list. His determination to help his community and family lead to various endeavors including serving as sheriff of Mecklenburg County for twelve years. Mr. Kidd served his community through his church, Trinity United Methodist Church on Beatties Ford Road. “The Greatest Little Church in America.” He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Optimist Club, the Power of the Past Tractor Club, the 9th Angel Tractor Club, and a variety of other charitable organizations. He spent his lifetime helping others in ways that may never be matched and couldn’t possibly be duplicated. If a need was brought to him by anyone, he would find a way to provide.
He is survived by his wife, his lifetime love, Helen Frazier Kidd, his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Scott Tucker, his son, Jerry Kidd, his son, Larry Kidd, and his son and daughter-in-law, Chester W. “Buddy” and Lyndy Kidd, nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of cherished friends.
He was buried on Tuesday, May 18th at 2 p.m. at the church’s cemetery.