Richard David Kite

Richard David Kite, age 77, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.  

Born in Shenandoah, Virginia, Rick was the eldest child and only son of the late Gleen and Lena Kite. 

Rick graduated from Page County High School and Elon College (now Elon University) where he was a member of the baseball team. While at Elon, he met his wife, Janice Wood Kite, and they were married in August 1972.  

Rick spent his entire career at Stuart Furniture, later Klaussner Furniture, retiring in 2012 as the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing. While at Klaussner, Rick traveled extensively and served as a member of the American Home Furnishings Alliance.

Over the years, Rick was an active member of his community, often seen on the sidelines coaching his children in sports or in the audience supporting their activities. 

He was a member of First United Methodist Church and has served on various committees at the church.

He has also volunteered throughout the community in various roles, including as Chair of the Uwharrie Society of the United Way of Randolph County.  

Rick enjoyed golf and working in his yard, but his greatest joy was his family, especially his children and grandchildren.  

In addition to his wife, Janice, Rick is survived by his daughter, Leigh Kite Hickman and her husband, Rob; his son, David Kite; grandchildren, Luke and Caroline Hickman; sisters, Susan Painter (Steve) and Penny Markowitz (Powell); sisters-in-law, Barbara Buchanan (Ronny) and Eddie Stone; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Rick’s life will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, Asheboro. A reception will follow at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: 

— First United Methodist Church, 224 N. Fayetteville Street, Asheboro NC 27203.

— The Rick and Janice Kite Scholarship, c/o Asheboro City Schools Education Foundation, 1126 South Park Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is honored to serve the Kite family.