Colonel Paul Francis Kittinger, Jr.

Colonel Paul F. Kittinger, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL. A true friend, with a life marked by faithful service to God, country and family, he will never be forgotten.

Paul was born on January 14, 1939, in Winston Salem, NC to the late Madolyn Hackett and Paul F. Kittinger, Sr. A loving son and sweet big brother to Jan, Paul was a fierce competitor on the tennis court and a talented swimmer who spent his weekends and summers lifeguarding at Shelton Lake and Myrtle Beach. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1956 and Wake Forest College in 1960, with a BS in Mathematics. Every spare moment would find him on a golf course, with his best friend Cole Bessonette, perfecting his swing. His time at Wake Forest inspired admiration for Arnold Palmer and a lifelong love of the game of golf.

Commissioned in July 1964, Colonel "Kitt" was first assigned to the US Army Hospital, Fort Jackson, SC as a Company Commander. He served as Detachment Commander at the 6th Medical Depot in Korea in 1966 and Company Commander at the 32nd Medical Depot in Vietnam in 1970. He was the Chief of Supply and Services at Noble Army Hospital in Fort McClellan, AL and received his MBA from Jacksonville State in 1973 while stationed there. He served as the Chief of Supply and Services at Patterson Army Hospital in Fort Monmouth, NJ and Fort Leavenworth, KS, the Director of Distribution and Transportation in Germany (USAMMCE), The Director of Logistics at Dwight David Eisenhower in Fort Gordon, GA and The Chief of Logistics at Womack Army Community Hospital in Fort Bragg, NC. He received many awards and decorations throughout his military career, including the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Paul fell in love with Anne Scott Phillips the moment he saw her. They were married in Augusta, GA on July 20,1968 and embarked on one adventure after the next. They enjoyed traveling the world, building strong friendships and growing a family they loved beyond measure. Of all of their assignments, they most treasured their time in Europe.

After 29 years of service, Paul retired from the military in 1993. He joined the executive team at Robeson Health Care Corporation (RHCC), in Pembroke, NC for his next career assignment. Its mission statement, as an organization which considers itself the guardian of the community and the families it serves, became his own. Over the years, he and his good friend, Timothy "Tim" Hall, were able to bring much needed preventative, primary and mental health services to Robeson County.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Anne Phillips Kittinger, Paul is survived by his sister Janice "Jan" Kittinger Vickers of Winston Salem, NC; his daughter Joy Kittinger Walker and husband Paul, of Jacksonville, FL; his son Paul "Scott" Kittinger and wife Molly, of Fayetteville, NC; his grandchildren Anne Scott and Jillian Walker and Andrew "Drew" and Kathryn "Kate" Kittinger.

 A celebration of Paul and Anne and their eternal lives in Christ will be held at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 11:00 am.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am until 10:45 am. A private interment with full military honors will take place at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Paul's name to the Robeson Healthcare (RHCC) Prevention Program in Pembroke, NC and to Operation Heal Our Patriots through Samaritan's Purse.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.jerniganwarren.com

 Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

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