April 20, 1970 ~ January 21, 2021
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.
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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 😢
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!
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
So sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. We love y’all and are lifting you in prayer. 🙏🏻
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.
So sorry to hear of Kim’s death. May God keep all the family in His Grace.
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!!
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.
Kim was honestly one of the sweetest souls I have ever met. Rest in peace Kim. And many prayers to the family.
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 ❤
Buddy & Marie, you are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Martha Wicker
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Thoughts and prayers at this time. May God hold each of you close.
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…
Broken hearts. Come, Lord Jesus.
Bryan, Michelle, and Layne
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.
Buddy and Marie, so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne and Joyce Frye
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!❤
I fondly remember Kim. My sincerest condolences to her family.
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.
We love you all. Kim shines on forever. Praise the Lord.
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.
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!
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💕🙏
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.
Prayers for all of her family. May God grant you peace and comfort
Jerry and Shelia Oldham
Marie and Buddy, Vetres and I are so sorry for the loss of your daughter,praying for GOD’s peace to comfort you.
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…
I am sorry for your unexpected loss.
Love & Prayers,
Bonnie Denny & Family
You are both in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck, Gwen, Izzy
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.
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.