Every couple has their story of the way they met and the progression of their relationship before marriage. In Patrick Square, the story of Kirby and Kathryn Towns has a beautiful twist of full life experiences before becoming husband and wife. 

 

Although the couple met in college, they only socialized in common circles. Both graduated from the University of Georgia receiving degrees from the Terry College of Business. However, after college, they lived completely separate lives for almost two decades. In time, their paths were beautifully woven towards each other once again, joining a bevy of four little beauties: Lovett (12), Olivia (11), Bonnie Kate (10), Chamberlain (9). Last summer, well after the family had happily bonded, they all embraced the birth of their new baby boy, Bo (born on June 2, 2024 at Prisma Hospital in Greenville).

 

Kathryn told us she was born and raised in Atlanta, GA.  Her family moved to Mountain Lakes, NJ for two years when she was in Elementary School. She claimed, "It was quite the adventure for our southern family."  Her family then moved back to the Atlanta area and Kathryn spent the rest of her childhood in Roswell, GA. 

 

Living in Atlanta for several years, Kathryn graduated from college, receiving a degree to pursue a profession in Marketing. Kathryn moved to Clemson in 2015. Then, she and her daughter, Olivia, moved to Patrick Square in 2017. Kathryn has been in Specialty Pharmaceutical Sales for over 15 years and fully involved within the community while raising her very talented and active young daughter.

 

Kirby is a former Financial Advisor, who spent the last 3.5 years in Oral Surgery Sales. Most recently he has transitioned back to Insurance and Finance with State Farm in Greenville. 

 

Kirby was born in Athens, GA, and lived in Columbus, GA until 8th grade. His family moved back to Athens while he was in high school and through his college years. Just like his dad and grandfather, Kirby played football for the University of Georgia from 1998-2202 becoming a 3rd generation Georgia Football Letterman in 2000-2002 for the Towns family.  Kirby's father, Bobby Towns' Letterman Years were 1957-1959.  His grandfather, Spec Towns' Letterman Years were 1936-1937 and later became the track coach for over 30 years. The track was later named after his grandfather. Spec was also the first Georgian to win an Olympic Gold Medal in Berlin (1936, 110 meter hurdles). 

After Kirby graduated from college, he lived in Atlanta and then Augusta, GA for several years. He moved to Clemson in 2021 and to Patrick Square after he and Kathryn married in 2022.

 

Kathryn originally met Kirby through their friend group in the early 2000's while attending the University of Georgia. She stated, "We were in an extended circle of friends and knew each other socially during this time." Facebook had first launched around that period, and they of course became “friends”, which of course allowed the classmates to follow each other on social media. Little did they know during that time, the decision they lightheartedly made to become Facebook friends would lead to a reconnection 17 years later. Recently, Kathryn told us she asked Kirby if he had any regrets during college, he stated, “Just one...To have not flirted with Kathryn Marshall more!” 

 

The couple “met” again, just as the world was shutting down due to COVID, when they both suddenly caught each other’s attention through the same social media outlet. This led to Kathryn and Kirby’s first date on May 1, 2020, which was in Patrick Square, Kathryn’s backyard!  Kathryn shared, "After dating for about a year, Kirby was able to secure a position working in Greenville. The children were slowly introduced as things became more serious. It was a happy match for everyone!" Then Kirby and Kathryn were married in a small ceremony near Falls Park in downtown Greenville on July 22, 2022. Their wedding party was made up of their daughters, who stood as their bridesmaids, with Olivia as Kathryn’s maid of honor.

 

All of their girls are quite busy! Kathryn told us that Lovett recently made the Company Ballet at Augusta Ballet. Olivia is a long-time dancer and is on the Competitive Dance Team with Clemson Elite Dance Center. She also loves tumbling and started playing the flute this year in the RC Edwards 6th grade Band and was recently inducted into the National Beta Club. Bonnie Kate is involved in guitar, voice lessons, and Musical Theatre. She also runs distance races with her school. Chamberlain runs distance races as well, and recently earned a spot on a Competitive Cheerleading Squad. And Bo, the little man of the family, has been said to be everyone’s favorite family member! Kathryn expressed, "He is the rightful center of attention and a true joy! Bo is such a happy baby. He greets everyone with a smile; he fills our house with baby giggles; he belly laughs; and he gives us all the sweetest kisses and hugs!"

 

Bo seems to love time playing with his sisters. They “read” books, rock on the front porch, and swing while watching each passerby. Kathryn informed, "He gets excited every afternoon when Olivia, along with a few friends some days, gets home school! So, he is keeping everyone busy with his daily routine. 

 

Of course, we can't forget the beloved family pet, Jake! He is a 100-pound Golden Doodle who turned 7 years old on October 16. Kathryn expressed, "He is as sweet as they come and loves to greet other dogs, often barking 'hello through his windows' on Thomas Green Blvd. He's a wonderful family dog and has accepted Bo’s presence enthusiastically. They have become best friends."

 

Kathryn has always felt like Clemson was home to her but could not explain exactly why until recently. Kirby’s mother, Robin Towns, an avid genealogist, introduced the couple to a genealogy app called Family Tree. Kathryn became quickly fascinated and found that her roots are indeed planted here in Clemson! Her 6th great-grandmother, Jane Pickens Miller of Abbeville, 1738 – 1824, is buried at Old Stone Church Cemetery. During her visit to the cemetery, Kathryn learned that her 6th great-uncle was General Andrew Pickens II, of which Pickens County is named. And, her 5th cousin was South Carolina US Senator and later Vice President, John C. Calhoun. Amazing news to learn!

 

The family was asked what they enjoy as a family. We were told they all love Dollywood and have made it a tradition to go every year during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Kathryn said, "Some years it is unseasonably warm and in the 70s, and other years it is frigid, not getting above 40 degrees. We embrace the weather no matter what and always have a blast."

 

The family enjoys spending time with Kathryn's parents, Kip and Ellie Marshall. They moved to Clemson from Atlanta in 2021 to be closer to all the children. The grandparents live in Village Walk and Kip loves taking Olivia to Nettles Park often for a fun game of Pickleball!

 

For vacations and family fun, Kathryn exclaimed Charleston and Mt. Pleasant were their destinations as well as St. Augustine and Crystal River, FL. These are an annual tradition to see Kathryn’s extended family.

 

In the Fall, Kirby and Kathryn have season tickets for Georgia football. The family takes advantage of being close to Athens, only an hour and a half away. This allows their family to attend all the home games each season. Of course, they make sure to attend at least one or two Clemson games! The family shared, "Our girls proudly wear red and black, as well as orange and purple." 

 

Kirby and Kathryn are truly happy with their lives in Patrick Square. They stated that Joe’s Pizza was a family favorite. But the favorite "date night spot" for the couple is Rick Erwin’s.  

 

Kirby and Kathryn told us they chose to live in Patrick Square for its "wonderful community and the perfect blend of amenities...a neighborhood that offers a great mix of friendly neighbors and activities for the whole family." They enjoy walks with their dog, Jake, while the girls enjoy riding their bikes or scooters. The Towns family reported that they all love the pool, strolling around the pond, and visiting the Giving Garden. BUT they especially look forward to events on The Green like "Rock the Block" and "Family Movie Night". Kathryn noted she appreciates her workout classes at Clemson Fitness Company as well. Kathryn mentioned, "With Joe's Pizza and Rick Erwin's nearby, we have fantastic dining options for family meals or date nights...Patrick Square truly is a wonderful place to call home!"