MATTHEW OWEN KIRBY

KIRBY, MATTHEW OWEN - age 62, of Knoxville, passed away September 7, 2012, at Physicians Regional Medical Center, formerly St. Mary's Hospital, where he worked for 22 years in the Engineering Department before his retirement in 2006. He also held positions with the City of Knoxville Traffic Engineering Department and Oak Ridge X10. Matthew had cerebral palsy but never let his physical disability keep him from living life to its fullest. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1972, 15th in his class, where he developed his interest in radio communications and helped operate the school's radio station. He earned his 1st class commercial radio-telephone license from Elkins Institute in Nashville. He was an amateur radio operator, call sign WB4IOB, and in his younger years he was active in local radio club RACK. He participated in the bowling league with the Cerebral Palsy Center and served on the Family Support committee. He was an avid boating enthusiast with a ski boat and house boat on Norris Lake, teaching many friends how to water ski. For many years he enjoyed trips to Camp Easter Seal in Middle Tennessee. He was a Boy Scout and achieved his Eagle Scout rank in the early 1970s. Matthew was a resident at Beverly Park Place, formerly Hillcrest North Nursing Facility, entertaining and brightening the lives of the staff and residents. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church, Knoxville. Preceded in death by his parents, H. H. and Ottie K. Kirby; brother, Sam B. Kirby; and nephew, Todd Kirby. Survived by niece and husband, Jan and Randy Smith of Maryville; nephew, Christopher Kirby of Flagstaff, AZ; sister-in-law, Debbie Kirby; special cousin, Alice Kaserman; many cousins; aunts and friends. Sincere thanks to the staff at Beverly Park Place, especially David Weiner. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until service time Tuesday, September 11, at Highland Memorial Funeral Home 5315 Kingston Pike. Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Highland Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday September 12 at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cerebral Palsy Center of Knoxville, 241 E. Woodland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. You may offer condolences at www.highlandmemorialparks.com.