Kim Palmer Pettit

Kim Palmer Pettit, 71, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2024 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center with family at his side. Born July 1, 1952 in Spartanburg, he was the son of the late Broadus Eugene and Vadah Champion Pettit. After graduating from Spartanburg High School, Kim became a Toyota Master Mechanic. He was the owner and operator of KP Automotive for over 25 years. In keeping with his love of mechanics, he was a muscle car enthusiast who enjoyed showing his classic cars. He also enjoyed remote controlled helicopters. Kim had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed many outdoor activities, such as horseback riding and camping. On these trips, he became the camp cook, which developed into competing in numerous Kansas City Barbeque Society competitions. He also became a Kansas City Barbeque Society judge. Kim’s most recent outdoor activity was with honey bees. He had a wholehearted passion for all aspects of beekeeping - from managing numerous hives for honey, to building his own equipment, to doing community presentations. Kim was an active member of the Spartanburg County, Union County, Laurens County, and South Carolina State Beekeeper Associations. He was proud to earn his Journeyman’s certification, which is part of the SC Master Beekeeper Program, in 2020. As much as his health allowed, he spent many hours giving back to the beekeeping community by mentoring and teaching new beekeepers and managing the Facebook page for the Spartanburg Beekeepers Association. Throughout his many hobbies, Kim made numerous friends and was always willing to help others. Kim is survived by his wife and constant companion of 35 years, Joy Anderson Deer, and one brother Michael (Helen) Pettit of Spartanburg. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. In addition to many bee colonies, he leaves behind his devoted dog, Coco, and two cats, Slick and Tyger, who are missing his lap and attention. Services will be held at Nazareth Presbyterian Church, 680 Nazareth Church Road, Moore, SC on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The family will receive friends in the Church Fellowship Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., with the service at 3:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be Carrol Alexander, Ed Coleman, Karry Edmunds, Robert Freeman, James Gregory, and Sam Hannon. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Kim, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association of South Carolina, 887 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 110, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 or the American Lung Association, 2030 N Church Street Pl, Spartanburg, SC 29303.