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Sam Kirby Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Sam Kirby
August 30, 2007
I've lost B.T. my best buddy for 40 years. I sure will miss him.
Goose
Penny Ford
August 30, 2007
Aunt Debbie, Jan, Christopher & Todd~ I am so very sorry for you all! I unfortunately know, exactly what you are going through right now. And the very sad part is that your daddy and my daddy were probably the two kindest souls ever to visit this earth. They were so very similar and just loved by all who knew them. And my only words to you that help me day to day are that, although I feel cheated that I lost him too soon, I'd rather have had a dad like that than any other dad. And I know that you all feel the very same way! I am so sorry I could not be there with you all, but my thoughts have been with you every day. Uncle Sam will be greatly missed by many! I just loved exchanged emails with him. The world has lost one of the good ones and that is sad. I love you all!
Penny
Louise Scott
August 30, 2007
Debbie,
With deepest sympathy on the death of Sam. I know it will be hard but please take care of yourself.
Tim Berry
August 30, 2007
I too received the last e-mail from Sam about growing old. What a wonderful way to remember a lifelong friend. I count a special privelege to have been one of Sam's friends. My prayers are with Debbie, thier children, and Matt.
A shining light of God's creation now glows eternally.
73 de Tim Berry WB4GBI
Sharon Beard-Simpson
August 30, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. We share hundreds of great times at Fulton. He was always a great friend and a true gentleman.
Even with his mother being a teacher
at the school, Sam was one of us.Those were precious memories the 50 and 60 kids will always be there for each other .
May God bless you and keep you close
in the coming days
Destiny Day-Soulages
August 29, 2007
Debbie and Family,
Sam was a wonderful man and I am so proud to have known him all these years. I will never forget the times when my mother would take me to work with her and I always looked forward to going to see Sam in the radio shop. He would take me to the vending machines or help me hunt money from the other guys. I will miss seeing him at lunch as his smile always brightened your day. He was such a wonderful friend to our family. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you and your family.
Jerry Landis
August 29, 2007
Dearest Debbie, Todd, Jan and Chris,
Even though I rarely saw you guys in the last many years, I have thought of you many times and cannot express in words how wonderful it was to run into Sam at cruise-ins, etc.We have known each other since Christenberry Jr. High, Fulton H.S., Southern Sabers Car Club (I'll betcha forgot that one!), "Sure Losers"( how could you forget that one?),the '60 Bel Air hardtop(light blue), and the many other crossings of our paths through our lives.
As I write this with a heavy heart and wet eyes, I still say to myself--no it can't be Sam! He was a rock, and will always be known for his smile, his kindness and his knowledge of so many things. I just hurt and feel yor pain as well. I pray that the Lord will supply all your needs and that you will lean on Him in this,the darkest of hours.
So many people loved Sam and love you, Debbie, and I am proud to be counted among them!
Your lifelong friend,
Jerry Landis
Hal & Vivian Wanzer
August 29, 2007
I worked with Sam for over twenty years at KUB and always enjoyed our conversations and debates about NASCAR. My wife worked for the CECU, and enjoyed the Bristol races for many years and knew Sam as well.
We were both heart broken to learn of Sam's passing, we acknowledge that through Faith this is not a good bye but a mere see you later!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time and we pray that God gives you the strength needed during this journey.
Sincerely,
Mike and Mary Moreland
August 29, 2007
Dear Matt,
We are keeping you close in thought and prayer.
Jewell Brooks
August 29, 2007
To Debbie, the children and Matt:
I knew Sam from State Farm Insurance and he was always pleasant and had a smile.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sondra Reagan
August 29, 2007
I work at Kub with Sam. He always had a smile and a kind work. I bought my son BMX bicycle from Sam many years ago. Sam was good to children and incourage them. Ronny went to school with Todd. Sam will be missed by many because He loved people and he made a difference in people lives. He was a Great person.
Sorry for your loss and my God grant you Peace during this hard time. Sondra Reagan
Dianne Grinder
August 29, 2007
Debbie and Family, I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you will remember how many friends that you have that love you. Please remember that Sam will always be with you through your children, memories and love that you have shared through the years. Friends and family will get you through this!
May God Bless,
Dianne Grinder
Bill Burchell
August 29, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Judy Williams
August 29, 2007
Debbie - I truly feel your pain, as a friend can, as you face this experience. I am so glad to have known Sam the last few years. He seemed to be always smiling when I would see him and was always pleasant. Ray enjoyed getting to know Sam, they shared fishing stories among other things. Ray said Sam knew his roofs and was there with them until the finish. Ray enjoyed their conversations. We are saddened by your loss and share your pain. May God help you and your family as you grieve for your loved one.
Love Judy and Ray
Darlene Fink
August 29, 2007
I worked with Sam for many years. He was always a pleasure to be around.
I am so sorry for your great loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Raymond Slaton
August 29, 2007
Sam was always a joy to see and talk with. He never had a harsh word to say about anyone.He looked forward to the day when he could retire.He will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him. God Bless you and your family.
Darrell Brewster
August 28, 2007
Uncle Sam was the kindest person I have ever met. I have a lot of memories of visiting Aunt Debbie and Uncle Sam. Once, when I was nine years old I helped Sam paint his house and no matter what it looked like, he still took me to Krystal's. When I was a teenager, he would take me, my sisters and cousins out and cruise around Shoney’s on Saturday nights. When I was old enough to drive, we always joked with each other about him owning Fords and me owning Chevys. I always told him he would get places faster in he drove a Chevy!!
Uncle Sam and Aunt Debbie recently visited my family in Northern Virginia. Uncle Sam and I got to spend a day together at the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport. We had a wonderful time and I will always cherish the special memories of that day.
Uncle Sam, you will be greatly missed by all of us! I love you!!
Melinda Holbert
August 28, 2007
Debbie&Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.I don't know if you remember me and my brother and sister,but we lived two doors down from you guys on Washington Pk.I spent many a day playing in your back yard.I remember going to the lake and watchng Sam race his boat.I have often thought of your family over the years and I am glad I was blessed to have known such a wonderful family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melinda,Diane and Mark Dalton
Barbara Collins
August 28, 2007
Matt I know this is a great loss to you and your brother's family. May God grant you peace in knowing that such a kind and gentle man is now with Him.
Gary Wright
August 28, 2007
Worked with Sam in the Gas Department for over 15 years. Sorry to here of his passing. My sympathy is extended to the family and may God watch over and keep you is my prayer.
Moe Brewer
August 28, 2007
Hello,
I first met Sam and Matt on HAM radio using one of the their repeaters.
Sam seemed to be a really nice geniune person and I will miss chating with him. It had been a while since we talked and even longer since I seem him.
I will miss him and world has lost a good person.
73
de Moe N4CQW
Bob, Elena and Tracie Tonkin
August 28, 2007
Debbie,Todd,Jan,Christopher and Matt,
There is no possible way that we could put all the loving memories that we have had troughout the years with Sam and each of you into words. Our hearts are heavy and we in no way can know the pain of the loss that you are experiencing. All our good times can only bring smiles to our faces and we will treasure all the New Years we saw come in together, all the wonderful lake memories of Sam and Bob sking, and then later sharing their skills with the kids, and simply knowing that special friendship discovered so many years ago. How fortunate and blessed we have been to all grow-up together. Thank you old friend! We'll Always Love You!
JoAnn & Desiree Folger
August 28, 2007
Debbie, Christopher, Jan, & Todd,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sam was such a dear, sweet person. His friendship meant so much to us, and he will be greatly missed.
Love,
Bobbie Owenby
August 28, 2007
Dear Debbie and family, I will always remember working with you and Sam in the nursery at Salem. Sam always had a smile and a kind word to say to me. I want you to know that I am praying for you and the family. Love, Bobbie (Wayland) Owenby
Penny Wormsley (St Marys Eng.)
August 28, 2007
Matt, I'm truly sorry your loss. May God be with you. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ed Medford
August 28, 2007
Sam was a great and caring gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. I appreciated all he did as an employee of KUB and his legacy will be felt everytime someone keys a microphone or receives a page.
Lee Stewart
August 28, 2007
I met Sam a few years before he retired from KUB. He could easily crack a smile from most of the people he encountered. We enjoyed discussing NASCAR, the old boat races in Kingston (hoping that they would return) and even Amateur Radio at times. I usually learned something new each time I spoke with him. I also enjoyed hearing about his travels after retirement. The picture of him holding up a lobster from one of his trips will stay in my memory for a long time.
My sympathies go out to the family. I only hope the words and testimonials in this guest book offer some comfort. Perhaps knowing that Sam's life touched so many others positively and that he had so many friends will help (in some small way).
Charles Smith
August 28, 2007
73's Sam You will be missed in the radio community. We have talked a few times over the years.
73 Charles Smith KE4FXC
Jane Ault
August 28, 2007
Deb and family, I know the wonderful memories you have of Sam will be with you forever. He was greatly loved by everyone who knew him. Kindness, gentleness and special friend are the memories I have of him. Much love to you.
Sherri Walker
August 28, 2007
Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Paula Lynn
August 28, 2007
I worked with Sam at KUB. Sam amazed me with all of his talents. He was a very gifted individual. Not only did he have the smarts to make him a successful employee, but he had the very special gift of knowing how to treat individuals to make them feel special. And that smile.... I will never forget it. His smile was like a ray of sunshine. I am honored to say that he was my friend. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Friend,
Keith Henson
August 28, 2007
Please forgive the length of this, but please read. While Sam probably didn't write this, he e-mailed it to many of his friends on Friday night, August 24; without a doubt, everyone will agree - IT IS SAM. Farewell to a great friend of 30 years! Keith Henson
Sam's email of Friday night:
The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old.
I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.
Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who look like my dad!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself.
I've become my own friend.
I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)
MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER! FRIENDS FOREVER!
Sam.
Gay Brown
August 28, 2007
Debbie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I enjoyed being with you and Sam. You are going to miss him but remember he will be in Heaven looking down on you.
My love and prayers to my friend.
KATHY FORD
August 27, 2007
MY UNCLE SAM WAS THE MOST CARING AND LOVING PERSON IN THIS WORLD. I WILL NEVER FORGET ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS AND ALL THE HELP HE HAS ALWAYS GIVEN OUR FAMILY!!YOU ALWAYS FELT SO SAFE AND HAPPY AROUND HIM. I WAS DOWN IN JULY AND HE TOOK MY MOM AND AUNT DEBBIE AND ME OUT FOR DINNER ONE NIGHT WHERE THEY WERE HAVING THE CAR SHOW AND JUST HIM AND I WALKED OVER TO SEE HIS CAR AND HE WAS SO PROUD I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT EVENING!! THERE WILL BE ONE MORE VERY SPECIAL ANGEL WATCHING OVER ALL OF US BECAUSE HE LOVED US ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!! I LOVE YOU UNCLE SAM!!!!!!!
Jim McDade
August 27, 2007
When people have asked me, "Who is the best friend you've ever had?" my answer has always been - Sam Kirby.
From the days when we built go carts together through high school and our various bands, Sam and I were inseperable.
I will miss you old friend. The world is a little less bright without you.
David Monroe
August 27, 2007
Worked with Sam first in the Gas Bureau then all over KUB. I'll always remember the smile he always showed. God bless you and keep you in his care.
Bridgitte Mase
August 27, 2007
I had the great pleasure of working with Sam at KUB several years ago. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that he will be missed.
Gene Price
August 27, 2007
I have known Sam since he was a young boy living in our Oak Hill neighborhood.Back then he had dedication and it stayed with him to the end.
Among sams many passions was boats,nice cars,camping and ham radio, I can testify that his voice and technical expertese will be missed on the ham bands and I have lost my favorite camping buddy forever.
Garry Green
August 27, 2007
73's and may God Bless My old Amateur buddy de N4CJX
August 27, 2007
I worked with Sam several years at KUB. He will be missed and may God's love console you and your family during this time.
Carolyn Day
August 27, 2007
Sam was a wonderful person! He was one of those very special people that we so rarely meet in life. I will miss him so much. I will always be honored to have known him. Sam was a precious reflection on me and my family.
He was there for us, no matter what the circumstances! A true Friend!!!
Debbie, Jan, Todd, and Chris,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May our precious memories carry us through our grief.
With deepest Sympathy,
Carolyn
Tim Follis
August 27, 2007
I saw Sam about an hour and half before the race started. He was smiling and laughing and very happy. I'm glad that my last memory of Sam will be seeing his smiling face at a place he really enjoyed.
Fred and Connie Beeler
August 27, 2007
I have worked with Sam for many years and he was a great person, I will always remember Sam as a friend , Sam enjoyed racing and cars and would always call when the Fords would win...We will miss him.
Deborah Iles
August 27, 2007
May love surround you
May faith sustain you
May hope encourage you
day by day
Bradley Hays
August 27, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Fred Testerman
August 27, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Karen Rose
August 27, 2007
I worked with Sam for many years. He was a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. Much sympathy goes out to the family during this time of loss. May God bless and give each of you the strength.
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