Daniel Kirk Obituary

Daniel Eddins Kirk

NEW LONDON - Dr. Daniel Eddins Kirk, 90, of New London, died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014.

Born Feb. 19, 1924, in Rocky Mount, he was the son of the late Jones Ezra Kirk and Cora Eddins Kirk. He was a member of Palmerville Baptist Church until it dissolved, at which time he became a member of Anderson Grove Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School. He was an active volunteer of Stanly County Red Cross, Hospice of Stanly County, a volunteer instructor with the Hunter Safety course in Stanly County.

He was married to the late Ruth McCoy Kirk, who preceded him in death on March 13, 1998. He is survived by one son, Paul Daniel Kirk and wife Sara of Gainesville, Fla.; two daughters, Emily Kirk Chapman and husband Gary of Atlanta, Ga., and Adele Marie Kirk and husband Lawrence Hughes of Washington, D.C.; and two granddaughters, Rachel Kirk and Emma Kirk of Gainesville, Fla. A daughter, Martha Palmer Kirk, preceded him in death on June 24, 1990; two brothers also preceded him in death, Edgar Kirk and James Palmer Kirk.

Dr. Kirk served in the U.S. Navy on a PT boat (323) during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

His educational career started with an undergraduate degree in Biology from Furman University in Greenville, S.C. He received his master's degree in botany from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, then his Doctorate of Philosophy in Biology from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He taught at Furman University before becoming a biology professor at Catawba College in Salisbury in 1957. He served as an Academic Dean part of his time there until he retired in 1989.

Arrangements: A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m., at Anderson Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Honeycutt officiating. Burial will follow in Palmerville Cemetery with fully military rites by Stanly County DAV. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral Home Monday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.

Memorials: May be made to North Carolina Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Salisbury Post on Dec. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Kirk

6 Entries

Mrs. William "Bill" Palmer (Anne)

December 9, 2023

Dan was wise, kind, gentle but made of steel...
He was a friend, a construction helper [remodelling Bill's and my house near Catawba College], and a wonderful storyteller. I can visualize the twinkle in his eyes and hear his chuckle. I can see his pondering and gathering his thoughts before he spoke words of meaning... Our loss, but heaven's gain -- where we shall one day meet him again.

Alexis Chambers

December 19, 2014

I'm sorry to hear of this. Mr Kirk was a friend of my parents, Grace and Peter Cooper. He was so kind to me as a little girl. Wishing him and his family Peace.

Grace Cooper

December 19, 2014

My deepest sympathy to you all, Paul, Emily and Adele. Both your Mom and your Dad were good friends of ours as colleagues and neighbors in Salisbury for so many wonderful years. I'll never forget that your Dad held my Pete's hand for several hours before his death in 1982. Dan was a comfort and help to me, as he was for many others. An excellent teacher and administrator, a trustworthy friend, and a man who understood and lived by Christ's teachings, it is sad to have to say, "goodbye."

Schistosoma haematobium attacked by eosinophils. (Thanks, Dr. K!)

Becky Buxton

December 15, 2014

I am saddened to hear of Dr. Kirk's passing. He is one of the best teachers I ever had. As a college professor now myself, I know that much of my teaching style comes from the enthusiasm he gave to his classes. He loved to tell stories. They brought all of those parasites alive! 'LOTS of fond memories.(The attached photograph is of a parasite I have been studying in West Africa ... just in case he's watching!)

Joyce Randall Seabrook

December 15, 2014

Dear Kirk Children, I am so sorry to read of the death of your wonderful father. My mother was his secretary at Catawba for several years and I know those were some of her happiest years of employment. He was kind, caring, and a true friend to my mom and dad. What a special man he was.

Anne Palmer

December 15, 2014

Dan was a true gentleman - cultured, refined, strong yet gentle, and compassionate. What a wonderful story teller he was! Fascinating. And a delightful sense of humor accompanied his conversation. "They don't make them like Dan anymore...."
My late husband Bill and I enjoyed his friendship as he helped us in the remodeling of our home, with his motto of "measure twice, and cut once"!
Although Dan was entirely comfortable with his own company, still, he was generous enough to share himself with others, as the outpourings of love to his family will attest.
To the dear ones he left behind, I wish comfort as you miss him, and happiness as your grief gradually gives way to peace in the wonderful memories you carry.
With love, Anne Palmer

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