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Kathy Kirby Obituary
December 1, 1956 - July 26, 2025
Kathy Jean Harris Kirby, 68, of Hickory, unexpectantly passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Charleston, SC, surrounded by her loving children.
Born December 1, 1956, in Davie County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Ray Harris and Trudene Tutterow Harris. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Ricky Dean Kirby.
Kathy graduated from Statesville High School in 1974 and met the love of her life, Rick, at his tire store, Alray Tire Center of Statesville, shortly after. They moved to Hickory, NC, and started their life together. She spent the majority of her career in the commercial insurance business. Over 30 years of selling insurance, she made long-lasting friendships and impressions on people that would last a lifetime. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing volleyball, softball, playing cards, and traveling. As she got older, she loved gardening, canning, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her favorite thing to do was spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren, Tate, Autumn, and Anderson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Nicholas Dustin Kirby, and wife Jessi of Taylorsville, NC, and their children, Tate Hunter Kirby (16) and Autumn Grace Kirby (13). Daughter, Tara Kirby Rucker, and husband Brian of Charleston, SC, and their son, Anderson James Rucker (4). Her brother, Rick Harris, and wife Pam of Morganton, NC, and sister, Sandy Sparks of Maryville, TN. She also has many beloved brothers-in-law, sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who will miss her dearly.
A service to celebrate Kathy's life will be held at 2111 29th Ave Dr NE, Hickory, NC 28601, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Marcus Ollis officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hickory Soup Kitchen in honor of Kathy at hickorysoupkitchen.org or donations sent to 110 2nd St Pl SE, Hickory, NC 28602.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathy Kirby
Sponsored by Simplicity: Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services - North Charleston.
3 Entries
Artis and Theresa Rucker
August 7, 2025
We met Kathy in 2017 when our children were united in marriage. We talked on many occasions and she was always so sweet. Thank you Kathy for the love, concern and care for us you always shared. Thank you especially for the wonderful ways in which you received our family into yours. We loved you, miss you and will never forget both you and Rick.
Susan Osborne
August 7, 2025
Met Kathy during our long time employment in insurance. We sure did have a great time together. My condolences to Nick and Tara and families. You have lost a precious person. Kathy was a very caring person and helped many people.
Becky Hunter
August 7, 2025
I worked with Kathy at First Security Insurance for many years. She and I took a lot of insurance courses together. I am sad to hear of her passing. Thoughts and prayers for her family.
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