Timothy Horne Kinlaw

Timothy Horne Kinlaw (71), a long-time resident of White Lake, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, September 18, 2023.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents Iley Wilton Kinlaw and Edna Arlene Horne Kinlaw. 
 
He is survived by his wife, Cathy Faircloth Kinlaw; two sons, Timothy David Kinlaw and wife Madeleine, and Robert Thomas Kinlaw; a brother, Iley William Kinlaw and wife, Gail; a brother-in-law, Thomas Faircloth and wife Carol St. Louis; two nephews, Michael Kinlaw and Daniel Faircloth; and one niece, Chrystal Johnson and husband Clint. 
 
From the moment Tim splashed into White Lake as a seven year old boy, his future was forever entwined with this unique and intriguing place. As a very young man, he learned the value of a strong work ethic, helping his grandfather on the farm, working during the summers at Goldston’s and Crystal Beaches, and later helping to manage his father’s construction business. 
 
He had a natural athlete’s coordination and excelled in sports. As a student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, he was a star soccer goalie for four years, earning the nickname “Killer Kinlaw” by the local newspaper’s sports editor. After graduation, he played one season with a semi-pro soccer team in Fayetteville. 
 
Tim was dedicated to public service. He worked for the N.C. prison system as a Director of Inmate Activities in 1976. In 1984, he became Director of Facilities at Bladen County Hospital. In 1985, Tim assumed the position of Director of Facilities for Duke University. During this time he earned his Master’s Degree in administration from Central Michigan University. 
 
But White Lake was calling. When given the opportunity to return to the area, he accepted the position of Director of Operations and Planning for Bladen County in 1988. During his tenure, he created the Bladen County Building Inspection Department. In 1993, his last and most impactful opportunity would be a 25-year commitment to the Cumberland County School System, initially as Associate Superintendent for Facilities, and eventually two appointments as Interim Superintendent until he retired in 2019. 
 
Everywhere he went, Tim gave back. He was a 30-year member of the White Lake Volunteer Fire Department, serving several years as Chief. He coached youth recreational baseball and soccer. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and helped to establish the Lake Church at White Lake. 

Professionally, he was a member of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Operations Advisory Committee, the American Association of School Administrators, and the North Carolina Association of Educators. He was a member of and frequent speaker for the North Carolina Association of Facility Planners. In 2014, Tim was awarded the Administrator of the Year Award by the NC Association of Educational Office Professionals. The following year, he received the NC High School Athletic Association Special Person Award. He was a member of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors for the Fayetteville United Way.
 
In 2018, Tim was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest recognition bestowed for extraordinary service to the state of North Carolina, by Governor Roy Cooper.

Tim was solid, responsible, honest, and hardworking. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. He would risk his own well-being to save someone he loved or even someone he did not know at all. He was the personification of strength and courage. 
 
He devoted his life to protecting and providing for others. He cared dutifully and lovingly for his own family, his parents, and his extended family members.
 
Friends are invited to celebrate the life of Timothy Horne Kinlaw on Sunday, September 24, at 5 P.M. at the Lake Church (1930 White Lake Drive) at White Lake, NC. Visitation will follow the service.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations to the White Lake Volunteer Fire Department are encouraged.