Kenneth Edward Thorpe, 85, of Marshall NC went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 6, 2025. He passed away at home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Kenneth was born October 23, 1939, in Madison County NC to his late parents Nathan "Lee" and Pauline (Plemmons) Thorpe. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church and loved to listen to gospel music.

Kenneth had many long years of working in the retail grocery industry. He worked approximately 18 years at the A&P grocery store in downtown Marshall and then transitioned to Ingles where he became the assistant manager. He retired from Ingles after working approximately 30 years in 2006. After retiring from Ingles, he worked for his brother-in-law, Dr. Owen Fish, in the construction business on a part-time basis and thoroughly enjoyed that line of work as well. In addition to work, he had many hobbies that kept him busy. He loved farming, working in his garden, and grinding his own meal each year. He loved to teach his children and grandchildren many trades. He continued to split, bust and stack his wood pile meticulously each year. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Dorotha Lewis Thorpe of 64 loving years. Three children, Kathy (Marty) Reese, Keith (Marjorie) Thorpe, Kenney (Tina) Thorpe; Six grandchildren, Thomas (Sarah) Reese, Aleshia Reese, Mikayla Thorpe, Kolby Thorpe, Trevor Thorpe, Ryan Thorpe; two great-grandchildren, Kamden and Reagan Reese and several nephews, nieces, cousins, and many special friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Lee Thorpe.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverends Sam Adams, Jason Hyatt, and Jordan Gilliam will officiate. Burial will follow in the Lewis Branch Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org