Kimberly Oldham Putnam

kimberly putnam

April 20, 1970 ~ January 21, 2021

Born in: Moore County, NC
Resided in: Moore County, NC

Beloved by All, Kimberly Oldham Putnam

She loved people, and everyone loved Kimberly Oldham Putnam, age 50 of Carthage, who passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Known to all as Kim, she was a local girl born and raised in Carthage. Choosing to raise her own family in Carthage, Kim loved her family most of all. Soon to have celebrated twenty-five years of marriage this March, Kim and Carlos enjoyed a life of ministry, adventure, and family as their greatest accomplishment in all of the world is their dear daughter Emily. Carlos and Emily were Kim’s entire life, in addition to all of the family and friends who shared the incredible journey together. Happy, cheerful, and smiling all the time, Kim was like a beautiful butterfly delighting from one loved one to the next and flying away all too soon.

Born in Moore County on April 20, 1970, to Franklin “Buddy” and Marie (Luther) Oldham, Kim enjoyed her childhood days in her little hometown of Sweet Carthage. Preceded in death by her twin infant brothers Dwight and Duwayne, soon two girls joined the family. Sharing life with her older sister Charla, Kim attended Carthage Elementary, graduated from Union Pines High School and earned her cosmetology license at Sandhills Community College. Staying connected with her family was important as Kim and her mom Marie spoke every day together.

Kim’s love story began around ministry as Carlos was in town speaking at a church youth event, while Kim attended with Edith Luther, her beloved Grandma, who arrived by horse and buggy to settle in Moore County. Funny story is that Kim’s dad “Buddy” was from the town of Putnam while Kim just so happens to meet the love of her life named Carlos Putnam from Hope Hull, Alabama. 

When Carlos needed a haircut before performing a wedding, Kim was the lady for the job. After Kim cut his hair, she told Carlos, “I can’t accept any money because I’m not at my shop.” 

Carlos looked at her and said, “Who said anything about paying you?” 

Kim replied, “Oh, never mind.” 

Carlos laughed, “I’m just kidding. I’ll either pay you, or I’ll take you out to dinner.” 

He took her out to dinner, and the rest is history. Carlos and Kim met in September, got engaged in January, and married in March. After spending their first year together in Georgia, Kim and Carlos moved back to Carthage to be near family, built a home together and welcomed the love of their lives, their daughter Emily Grace Putnam. Grace. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound.

When it came time for Emily to attend school, homeschooling became the best option for the Putnam family. A hands-on-mom from day one, Kim poured her life into Emily as they enjoyed learning together all the way through Emily’s enrollment into SCC. Most of all, they treasured the freedom to travel with Carlos on his many business trips. In sales management with a degree in Poultry Science, Carlos’ job took him all over the world and allowed him the best travel partners in all of the world. From Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Maui; Park City, UT; Winter Park, CO; and California, the family crisscrossed America together. While Carlos attended meetings, Kim and Emily would explore all the little shops and everything along the way. No matter the destination being together was the greatest gift of all. 

Emily remembers going to Florida and falling in love with Epcot. She tells, “We didn’t even make it to the other parks. We walked around and went to every country, and we loved France most of all. It was super fun!” 

One of the greatest memories includes returning to the Cayman Islands, where Carlos and Kim were married. “My grandpa refuses to get on a plane, but he got on a plane that one time and went to the Cayman Island with us,” shares Emily. “We stayed in the exact same condo where Mom and Dad spent their honeymoon. We visited Sting Ray City where you have to shuffle your feet due to all of the sting rays swimming around and ate burgers from the lunch shack on the beach. Mom took me to get corn rows in my hair. I only wanted two rows in my head, but they did the whole front half of my head!” How the happy memories bring a smile!

In traveling the ups and downs of life, Carlos and Kim walked hand in hand together and stuck with each other no matter what. With similar cares and a united love, they enjoyed traveling abroad as well as biking and walking the local trails. Together with Emily always by their side, they went camping and rode 4-wheelers. Kim loved to run and crossed the line of a marathon! “She came across that finish line with her leg wrapped with ice and bandages, but she ran it!” exclaims Emily.

With all roads leading back to home, the Putnams opened their home to family and friends. In hosting a home church, the family loved on and ministered to all who came. Developing many lifelong friends, Kim became a safe place for everyone. Anybody could tell her anything. “She just wanted to help everyone,” tells Emily. 

Known for writing, “Jesus loves you!” everywhere, Kim signed everything with a sunshine and a smile. Always loving the Christian fish symbol, smiling faces with a sunshine, and hearts, Kim could find love everywhere, and she shared this love with all of her family and friends. Kim loved her people, and that’s what she was all about. 

Seeing the world through rose colored glasses, Kim lived a beautiful life and her life mattered,” shares Carlos. Happy all the time, Kim loved God and others and lived her best life possible. With her life race now won, Kim lives on through memories as warm as a beautiful day full of sunshine when the butterflies play amongst the flowers facing heaven with hearts full of love.

We love you, Kim, always and forever.

Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Sunday at Cross Hill Cemetery.

Those wishing to stop by the funeral home and sign the register may do so on Saturday between 2:00 – 5:00 PM.

Services entrusted to Fry & Prickett Funeral Home.

Services

Graveside Service: January 24, 2021 1:00 pm

Cross Hill Cemetery
McReynolds Street
Carthage, NC 28327


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  1. We want this family to know our hearts are broken to see this. May God be nearer than ever before as you go thru this difficult, sadness 😢

  2. So heartbroken for the family! Kim was always so kind and had a smile on her face that was contagious! Our prayers are with her family during this difficult time may the peace of God be with you all!

    • Dearest Carlos,
      Mine and Michael’s hearts are broken and so heavy for you. I remember when I met Kim it was as if I had known her my whole life. She was such a beautiful soul. We are so sorry for your enormous loss. With love, Vanessa and Michael

  3. Buddy and Marie, my heart goes out to you. I watched Kim grow up. Full of energy, positive and always a smile. I will always remember her that way. We, as humans, don’t understand at times but just know God has a plan for each of us. Trust him, have faith. May he give you strength during this challenging journey. Love you both. God bless.

  4. Kim was a special, sweet person inside and out. We have all her Family in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. Kim will be greatly missed.

  5. Marie and Buddy my heartfelt sympathy to you and family. What a beautiful daughter/lady she was. God is in control and has a plan for each of us. Knowing how the both of you guys love the Lord his Strength and Love will see you through this difficult time. God’s Comfort and Peace to you Marie, Buddy and family. Praying for you guys ❤️

  6. Thoughts/prayers go out to all family. Kim was such a sweet and loving person who always had a smile on her face. May she RIP..

  7. Marie, Buddy, and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Kim. She was a very special person with such a lovely smile that could light up a room. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God continue to grant you the peace and comfort you need during this difficult time. We love you.

  8. Our prayers and thoughts for the whole family. My heart breaks for you Marie and Buddy. Kim was a beautiful lady with the biggest smile every time I met her. May the Lord give you all strength during this trying time. Kim will always be remembered in our hearts. Love y’all!!

  9. Carlos, I am so sorry on the loss of your wife. Just heartbreaking news.
    My prayers and thoughts are with all at this sad time. May she Rest in Eternal Peace.

  10. Charla and family, I am so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. I haven’t seen her in a long time, but remember her smile and bubbly personality. Please know that you are all in my thoughts. I pray that fond memories will bring you comfort during this difficult time.

  11. Kim was honestly one of the sweetest souls I have ever met. Rest in peace Kim. And many prayers to the family.

  12. Buddy and Marie,

    You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I remember Kim as being energetic with a contagious smile. She will be greatly missed. I pray that you feel God’s loving arms around you and gain strength from Him.
    Carolyn ❤

  13. Buddy, Marie and family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your precious daughter, Kim. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. God Bless You and Keep You! Sending much love to you and your family.

  14. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God wrap you in his loving arms and give you the peace that only he can!

  15. Carlos, Emily, Buddy, Marie, Charla and family – We are so sorry and broken hearted about Kim’s passing. Never saw her without that sweet smile and genuine friendliness. That’s how she’ll always be remembered. You are all in our prayers and may our great God grant you comfort and peace. – Mark & Sharron

  16. Dearest Carlos,
    Mine and Michael’s hearts are so heavy and broken for you. I remember the first time I talked to Kim it felt as if I had known her my whole life. She was such a beautiful soul. We are so sorry for your enormous loss. With much love, Vanessa & Michael

  17. Charla,
    I was shocked to hear of your lost sister at such a young age. These are strange times. May your family navigate this time of sorry with the grace of faith and the wisdom to know that she will still fill your days at unexpected moments.

  18. To all of Kim’s family. So sorry to hear about Kim. It has been a while since I last saw her. She had such a wonderful smile and warm personality. Please know that our thoughts, love and prayers are with each of you.

  19. Charla and the Oldham Putnam Family
    So sorry for the passing of your dear loved one. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
    Charla from the Sandhills Community College Maintenance Department we love you and we’re praying for you.

  20. Marie, Buddy, Charla, Carlos, Emily and entire family,
    There are no words to express how saddened I am to learn of Kim’s passing. My heart aches for your loss. I am praying for you to find as much peace as possible and that your love for each other and your strong faith in God will get you through the days ahead.

    Much love,
    Melany Denny McFall

  21. Buddy, Marie, Charla, Carlos, Emily and all family members: My heart is so saddened by the passing of your sweet Kim! Such a lovely soul that heaven has gained. May God’s love and knowing you will be reunited with her again bring comfort and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.

  22. Buddy, Marie and family: Seeing this makes me so sad! Love, hugs and prayers for comfort and peace for all. Kim was such a ray of sunshine for all who knew her!

  23. Marie, Buddy & family,
    I am so saddened to hear of this great loss… Our loss, Heaven’s gain. May you feel the loving arms of God surround you & bring the peace only He can. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Much love…

  24. So saddened to hear of Kim’s passing . My life was blessed to have know her . Always had a smile and kind word . Prayers for all.

  25. As I read this, I am saddened. Kim was a ray of sunshine. After I moved back to NC and was out, if she saw me I was always greeted with a hug! May God wrap his loving arms around all of you and give you the strength to endure this grief.

  26. Such a tragedy to lose someone you’ve known since childhood. A beautiful woman with a beautiful soul.

  27. Ours prayers are with you all. Kim was a bright light in this world. Words cannot express how much she will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Heaven has another beautiful Angel.

  28. Ms. Marie, Charla and all of the family I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I send all my love. This beautiful story of her life has touched my heart. Prayers and love to you always. What a beauty she was, inside and out. God Bless you all in the days ahead and always.

  29. We are thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God give you peace within your hearts and may you have faith in him. We love you.
    Bryan, Michelle, and Layne

  30. Prayers for strength and peace to the family.
    Kim was such a beautiful light, her sweet nature always brought a smile when you were around her.

  31. I never met Kim but I know Marie & Buddy, best parents. Kim has lived a beautiful life. Praying for Kims family & friends. God Bless.

  32. Marie, Buddy, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am heartbroken to learn of Kim’s passing. I can still see that beautiful teenage girl sitting in my social studies class with that radiating smile chatting away with her classmates. She was such a positive force of energy. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. I pray that God will grant you the peace that only he can and give you comfort. I know that your faith will get you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.

  33. Buddy, Marie and Charla, May God bless and comfort you during the loss of your loved one. I will always remember Kim as a friendly person with a beautiful smile. Such a sweet person!❤

  34. Buddy, Marie and family, May God bless and comfort you during the passing of your loved one. I will always remember Kim as a friendly person with a beautiful smile. Such a sweet person!❤

  35. Our hearts are shattered to learn of Kim’s passing. May our Lord comfort each of you as only He can do. Our prayers will be with all of you.

  36. Kim was such a joyful person to be around. She never met a stranger, so easy to talk to, and she loved Jesus so much. She will be missed by many. I’m so very sorry for your loss, and will continue praying for your family.

  37. Buddy, Marie, and family, we are so sorry to hear about Kim’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.

  38. Charla and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I pray you’ll find daily strength and comfort in your precious memories of her.

  39. Buddy, Marie, Charla & family, So sad to hear of Kim’s passing. She was such a sweet person and always greeted you with a smile. Prayers and hugs for the family.

  40. We are so sad for your great loss. Kim was such a sweet and friendly person and will be greatly missed! We are praying for God’s touch of peace, understanding and strength to comfort you! We are here if you need us!

  41. Carlos and Emily,
    We will hold you in our hearts and prayers. We have fond memories of Kim. She loved Jesus and had a sweet and fun countenance.
    We are heartbroken for you and all who hold her dear.

  42. Buddy, Marie, Charla, Kim’s husband and daughter, my heart breaks for you all during this very difficult time and throughout the days ahead! You all are in my thoughts and prayers and I’m so very, very sorry you all are going through this pain and loss. Please know I’m here for you if I can ever do anything to help you. Hugs, love and prayers for you all!

  43. Buddy, Marie and family, we’re praying for God’s comfort for you all at this very difficult time. Although we didn’t know Kim personally, we could tell what a fine young lady she was and all the love she had for God and others. You all are in our prayers.

  44. Buddy,Marie and family, I am so sorry to hear of your beautiful daughter Kim’s
    passing. You have been my wonderful friends for many years and I promise you that I will be lifting you in prayer. May God wrap His arms of that peace that passeth all understanding around you during this difficult time💕🙏

  45. Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of Kim, one of the most beautiful people on earth. May the strength of the Lord help comfort and heal you all. With Much Love, Sue

  46. Charla, Marie, Buddy,

    I have a special place in my heart for you all, such fond memories spent at your loving house during my childhood. Oh, I loved it there! I remember Kim for her smile, kindness and sense of humor, and the warmth of the whole family. What a wonderful thing to have grown up with such a wonderful family. I was shocked to hear of Kim’s passing, but I know as well as you do that you will see her again. I pray that you find comfort.

  47. I am heart broken to hear of Kim’s passing. She was a beautiful person inside and out. It was a privilege to have known her since she was a teen. We had many good times together.. She was the kind of person that touched so many lives.. That is a wonderful thing. She will be remembered for the kind, sweet person she was with a beautiful smile and laugh. I am sincerely sorry for the pain that the family is dealing with. My love and prayers are with you all.

  48. Marie and Buddy, Vetres and I are so sorry for the loss of your daughter,praying for GOD’s peace to comfort you.

  49. I will always remember the day I met Kim. It was at the Nancy Kiser Park in Carthage. We were both there with our daughters, and as they played we struck up a conversation. She was such a warm, sweet person, and by the end of the conversation she was making plans to give Lilly some of Emily’s clothes that she had outgrown. We had just met! That was the beginning of a friendship that I will be forever grateful for. We both ended up homeschooling our girls, and would see each other here and there. I could always count on her for a hug, an encouraging word, and a few laughs when we ran into each other. What an absolutely precious person! Always so easy to talk to…so sincere. My heart breaks for all of the family–and friends–who will miss her sweet, beautiful smile. Prayers and hugs… Come, Lord Jesus…

  50. Thinking of you with love and prayers. May God bless you with strength and wrap his loving and healing arms around each of you.
    Love & Prayers,
    Bonnie Denny & Family

  51. Marie,
    I’m at a loss for words. I’m so sorry to find out about Kim on here. Hugs and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

  52. Marie & Buddy,
    I’m so sorry to learn of your daughter’s passing. I didn’t know her, but can see from others’ comments that she was very special. I send my sincere sympathy and hope that your happy memories will help you through this sad time.

  53. Charla, I’ve been with you and Kim seems like forever. Forever doesn’t seem like enough time. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God Bless You and keep you all! Love you!!


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