Col. Brian Andrew Kilgariff

Colonel Brian Andrew Kilgariff, US Army Retired, departed his home for the final time on October 26, riding in style on a United States of America flag-draped gurney, and leaving behind a legacy marked by honor and commitment. Thus terminated an awe-inspiring full life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point, with Father Paul Baiju, O.S.F.S., and Father Philip Kolithanath officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Floral Garden Park Cemetery in High Point. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Wilkerson Funeral Home  

Brian was a one-of-a-kind guy who could strike up a conversation and become instant friends with anyone, often eliciting many great and hearty laughs. He could effortlessly turn a casual conversation into an erudite discussion on a plethora of topics.

Brian was kind and thoughtful even towards total strangers. He was genuinely selfless, never seeking praise or rewards of any type for himself but always quick to honor others whom he deemed worthy. Ever the optimist, he was known for accomplishing seemingly impossible results and accomplishments for both himself and others. Brian harbored and extended true compassion for the needs and concerns of others and gave freely and generously of his time and talents to those in need.

Brian was deeply devoted to his family—wife Linda, son Shaun (Katie), grandsons Hobbes, Finn, and Emmett, his brother Mike (Shari), and his many nieces and nephews, all of whom he constantly strived to please and praise. Linda was frequently the recipient of flower bouquets for birthdays, anniversaries, and for no reason at all except to express his love and appreciation. Brian especially enjoyed coaching soccer for his son’s teams at High Point YMCA and Jamestown Youth League. In his later years nothing delighted him more or brought him more joy in life than interacting with his three grandsons and the satisfaction that he was able to participate in their lives as they grew up. “Big Brother” Brian and “Little Brother” Mike enjoyed a lifetime bond of love, affection, and a special closeness, and he appreciated the efforts he shared with Mike’s wife Shari in keeping Mike in line. A devoted Catholic, Brian held a very special place in his heart for the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul in Archdale, NC and for Father Philip Kollithanath.

Brian was employed as a sales representative for Hatteras Yachts in High Point and later formed his own Warrior Boats Company. During his 34 years of military service in Army Special Forces and National Guard, among his proudest and most treasured moments were the parachute jumps with his son Shaun during Airborne School and pinning the silver wings upon Shaun’s chest. As Battalion Commander he led the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in NATO Peacekeeping Operations in Bosnia Herzegovina, where the unit received the Army Superior Unit Award as part of Task Force Eagle. Brian was credited with 138 parachute jumps and was very proud of the foreign parachute jump wings he was awarded from Australia and Germany. Following his retirement from the military Brian remained engaged with veterans, demonstrating ongoing support for those with whom he served.

Though Brian is no longer with us, his kindness, laughter, and love will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!!

In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family wishes to thank the Wilkerson Funeral Home staff for their sincere caring, compassion, and attention to detail—especially Phil and Exodus.