John Killian's Obituary
John Wilson Killian, age 96, of Charlotte went home to his Lord and savior on Sunday, March 9. 2014. John was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother Pansy Killian, brothers Ware, James, and Bill, sisters Dorothy, and Ruby, step-brother Ben and step-sister Carolyn and an infant son, John W. Killian, Jr.
Mr. Killian was born September 29, 1917 in Gastonia, NC, son of James Garfield Killian and Margaret Roberts Killian. He grew up in Blacksburg, S.C. At an early age he started his business career by making a cart and picking up railroad babbit and also by giving buggy rides with his old mule, Pete. As a young adult, John worked as a store clerk for his uncle. His service in the Army Field Artillery ended when another uncle asked for his release to help him with his service station. He also ran a taxi business for a short time. John came to Charlotte for a job opportunity with Electrolux. When their office moved to Asheville, he returned to Fort Mill and the taxi business. During this time with Electrolux in Charlotte John met a young lady, Sara, from Newell, NC. They were married on April 4, 1942 at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church. While in the Army Reserves, he was called back into service in late 1941 and sent overseas in 1943. He spent a year in England and then was stationed in Compeign, France for the remainder of his service time. In 1955 he established Killian Super Service on North Tryon Street and later added locations on 29 North and NC 49 in Harrisburg. Mr. Killian served as a wholesale gasoline distributor to several additional locations and provided home heating oil to many residents in northeast Charlotte. Killian Plaza was developed on NC 49 in Harrisburg. In 1966 he developed Killian Mobile Home Park on McDaniel Lane that today provides 190 manufactured home sites. John wrote those in Congress many times while in business and in 1973 ran for the 9th US district seat. He received strong support from the area that he lived in but would take no contributions –as he wanted to owe no political favors- and fell short in the election. John and his wife, Sara, enjoyed many trips with Christian Tours. They visited all 50 states as well as many foreign countries. In 2001, John received his High School diploma through correspondence work. He attended numerous real estate and business management classes at Central Piedmont over the years. After retirement, gardening and dancing on Friday nights were enjoyed for many years. John was a charter member of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and later a member of Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church until his death.
John is survived by his wife of 72 years, Sara Louise Kirk Killian and 3 sons: James H. Killian, Sr. (Linda), Don W. Killian (Debbie), J. Kirk Killian (Betsy) all of Charlotte; 6 grandchildren: Amanda K. Booth, James H. Killian, Jr., Devon K. Simpson (Reece), Derrick L. Killian (Tasha), Christen C. Killian and Chad K. Killian; one great-granddaughter, Jessica K. Booth; sisters, Margaret K Betty, Frances K. Jenkins and brother Roy G. (Bud) Killian; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church with Rev. Shawn Barkley and Rev. Ken Craig officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary from 10:30-11:30 prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, 1600 W Mallard Creek Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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