Thomas J. Kirk

Thomas J. Kirk passed away on Friday, September 25, 2009, at his residence. He was born December 28, 1924, and was a lifelong resident of Bentonia, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Kyle Kirk and Elsie Gilmore Strong Kirk; and a sister, Loraine Kirk Martin.
Visitation will be on Monday, September 28, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, MS with graveside services at 11:30 a.m. in Dover Cemetery in Yazoo County.
He was a member of the Yazoo City First United Methodist Church and graduated from Anding High School. He attended Mississippi State University but his education was interrupted by World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After two years, more ground forces were needed, and he was sent to the Army. He trained at Wafford College in South Carolina and other areas and then was sent to the European theater and was in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war ended, he remained in Germany to help set up the U.S. Headquarters. He was one of the only few who returned home from his unit.
World War II was the defining period of Thomas' life. It determined who he became and why he spent his remaining years helping Veterans. He received medals of Good Conduct, the Combat Infantry Badge, three Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, ETO Victory Medal, and an American Victory Medal. He was State Commander of the American Legion, State Adjutant of the American Legion for 5 years, and on the National Endowment Fund Board of the American Legion.
After returning home, Thomas continued his education at Mississippi State where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He returned to the family farming business after school, and was the fifth generation of his family to farm the same land. He was active in many areas of agriculture and local and state affairs, holding the offices of President of the Farm Bureau, President of the Soil Conservation Association, Director of the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce, one of the founders of Manchester Academy and its first President of the Board, Chairman of the Mississippi Athletic Commission, first President of Cotton Producers Gin, and a Mason and Shriner.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gloria McConnell Kirk; two daughters, Deborah Ragland (Billy Joe) and Kathryn "Bebe" Lafferty (Larry); four grandchildren, Lori Ledlow (Michael), Ryan Ragland (Sarah), Kirk Coulton (Allison) and Connye Dees (Jason); seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Nan Palmer; and a brother, Lee Kirk.
Special thanks from the family go to Dr. Marion Sigrest and his staff, and Lula Clark, Annete Clark, Ollie Allen, and Jo Rucker for their help during Thomas' illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Yazoo City or to Dover Cemetery.
Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City will be handling the arrangements.