William "Roy" Kidd

William Roy Kidd of Pittsboro passed away at his home on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Roy was born July 15, 1932, in Coleridge, North Carolina, the oldest of nine children.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Jonah, and Rachael Kidd; brothers Winifred Kidd and Cecil Kidd; sons, Darrell Kidd, and Michael Kidd; and grandson Travis Kidd.

He is survived by sisters Ailene Jahn, Geneva Siler Humrickhouse, Thelma Spoon Brewer, Helen Patterson, Edna Johnson, and brother Harold Kidd. 

Roy leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Alice Mae Thrift Kidd, and children Roy Kidd, Jr. (Evelyn), Sandra Cockman Strowd (Bob), Roger Kidd, Randall Kidd (Juli), and daughter-in-law Bonnie Kidd, all of Pittsboro. Roy and Alice are blessed with ten grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

If you’ve ever heard of Gum Springs Garage, then you’ve heard of Roy Kidd, because the two were one and the same.  In 1954, Roy took a service station building and started Gum Springs Garage, where he grew a lifelong legacy.  After almost 70 years, Roy’s knowledge, and experience as a trusted source for the repair of farm equipment are unsurpassed in Chatham and the surrounding communities. In 1969, Gum Springs Garage became a Stihl dealership. Most of the equipment sold and repaired was used for people’s livelihood and time without that equipment meant no money. From landscapers to farmers to weekend warriors, people knew they could trust “Roy and the boys” at Gum Springs Garage to get them back up and running.  The scenery improved in the last several years when daughter Sandra and daughter-in-law Bonnie joined the guys.

Roy and Alice raised six children and instilled the same strong work ethic that continues today as his legacy.  Over the years, Roy worked hard to provide for his family by farming and running the garage. The Kidd household was where everyone wanted to hang out because there was love, laughter, and fun.

Roy struggled with various health issues in the last year and a half. For 71 years, his wife, Alice, was beside him, ensuring that Roy had everything he needed and always put his needs before her own.  Despite the health issues, there were very few days he missed going to “The Shop” to oversee the day-to-day business.  His trips to the shop were the best medicine for him so he could visit with his valued customers and friends.  Roy was at the shop the day before his passing, and he would not have had it any other way.

The family sincerely appreciates the love, laughter, and fellowship that was shown to Roy.

The Funeral service will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Emmaus Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Moore presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Immediately following the committal service, the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to Emmaus Baptist Church, 2430 Silk Hope Gum Springs Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Kidd Family.