William Lewis Kirby

Obituary

William Lewis (Toots) Kirby, age 88 of Calhoun passed away Thursday Jan. 9, 2020 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. following an extended illness. Mr. Kirby was born in Gordon County, Ga. on Dec. 3, 1931 to the late Deward And Lula Belle Moss Kirby. Mr. Kirby was preceded in death by his Brothers, Rayford, Raymond, Les and Neal Kirby, and by his Sisters, Maude Roper, Geneva Thacker, Mauline Adcock, and Leaider Adcock.. Following his military career, he moved to Flint, Michigan to work in the automotive industry until 1961, after returning home to Calhoun, he worked as a mechanic at a service station and later went to work at Crown Craft where he retired, he loved making home videos, working in his garden, camping in the mountains, singing gospel music as a member of the Red Bud High School Men's Quartet, and later in life, his hobby was fixing lawnmowers and enjoyed listening to gospel music daily until his passing, he was a member of Northgate Church of Jesus Christ.
Mr. Kirby proudly served his country in The United States Army. From 1951 until 1953, he served as a combat infantryman with Headquarters Special Troop Command where he posted near Columbus, Georgia. He was posted, during the Korean Conflict, on the Korean Peninsula, he drove a tank, lived in dirt bunkers protecting the 38 Parallel and a foot soldier on the front lines. He earned many medals and badges including the Army of Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Service Stars, and others. He never failed to be proud of his own service, and that of other service members.
Mr. Kirby is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann Allison Kirby to whom he was married for 38 years. His Son, Rickey Lewis Kirby and his wife Cindy. Three Daughters, Susan Diane Lanier and her husband Denmon, Connie Faye Bennett and Tina Marie Erwin and her husband David. Grandchildren, Heather Trammell, Jennifer Derryberry, Elizabeth Brock, Dustin Wilbanks, Kim Norris and Brett Bennett, one step-daughter, Robin Jimenez, David Garner and Steven Garner, thirteen great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, the mother of his children, Mary Elizabeth Kirby, and other relatives also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 7:00 PM from the chapel of Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Bramblett officiating. The Kirby family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until the funeral hour. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.. Honorary pallbearers serving will include the grandsons and great grandsons; Brett Bennett, Dustin Wilbanks, Trey Sutton, Clay Evans, Austin Trammell, Bryson Trammell and Corey Greeson.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Alzheimers Association of North Georgia 922 East Morris St., Dalton, Ga. 30721.
Friends may sign the online guest register at www.maxbrannonandsons.com and WeRemember.com/william-kirby/8u7z to share memories with the family..
The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Mr. William Lewis (Toots) Kirby.









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