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Dr. Jerry M. Kirby Sr.
1937 - 2010
Dr. Jerry M. Kirby Sr.
1937 - 2010
Obituary
Guest Book
Jerry Kirby Obituary
Dr. Kirby was born, to the late Chester M. Kirby and to Lessie Marie Boyd Kirby in Wedowee, Alabama on August 19, 1937. After God called him into the gospel ministry, he immediately began his educational preparation for this enormous task. He holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi College, the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, Texas and Georgia from 1963-1999. During these years, he faithfully proclaimed God's word, and he was actively involved as a denominational leader, educational consultant, and pastoral counselor. He was presented the Outstanding Citizen's Award in 1975 by the North Texas Council for Exceptional Children, and listed in Who's Who in Religion the same year.
As a retired pastor, Dr. Kirby devoted himself to his writings. These writings never failed to reflect his great love and devotion to his Lord and Savior, his love for God's word, for his family, and his love for a good story. He was actively involved in his church, First Baptist Church of Newnan, as a children's leader.
Dr. Kirby is survived by wife, Avonelle Norred Kirby; son, Jerry M. Kirby, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Lisa J. Kirby of Palmetto, GA.; grandchildren, Kaylan R.Kirby and Kyle A. Kirby; sister, Joan Marie Kirby Johnston and husband James Johnston of Lanett, AL; brother, John D. Kirby, Sr. and wife Sylvia May Kirby of Columbus, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Carmichael-Hemperley funeral home in Peachtree City, Saturday, October 16th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Kirby requested that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 17th, in the Carmichael-Hemperley Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Amy Aldredge
October 19, 2010
I am at a loss for words. Avonelle, my Prayers are lifted up to give you strength to get through this most difficult time. During the 90's, Dr. Kirby was not just a Pastor to me but a dear friend and confidant. I am sure God was in need of a "Special Angel", therefore He called Dr. Kirby Home. I know you, Little Jerry, Lisa, Kyle, and Kaylan expect to walk in a room and see him sitting in his chair...just remember nothing can take away all of your cherished memories.
Love and Prayers to all of you,
Amy Aldredge
Barbara Ridgeway
October 18, 2010
To the family of Dr. Jerry Kirby, please accept my sincerest
condolences. Four generations of my family have belonged to First Baptist Church of East Point, so the community and the church have a place deep in my heart. Dr Kirby was so kind to us during my mother's (Merle M. Smith) illness and death. I
will never forget him. He was a true warrior for Christ and I ask Him to support Jerry's family during this sad, sad time.
Barbara Ridgeway (Griffin, GA)
Lisa Kirby
October 18, 2010
You were my shining witness and guiding light, I'll will miss you! Thank you for all you did for me and help me through. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for you. I love you so much !
Daughter
John Szalankiewicz
October 18, 2010
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Kirby. He was a very thoughtful man, terrific neighbor, and mostly a grandfather figure to my children. They loved Mr. Kirby he spent time taking them places, picking them up from school, and being an excellent role model. You will forever be remembered and treasured in all of our hearts, sinerely John Szalankiewicz and family.
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October 17, 2010
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Kirby. He will be missed.
Charlotte Motes, First Baptist church , East Point
Shannon Vinson Adams
October 17, 2010
When those we love have left this earth, we still can feel them near. We'll see a picture, hear a song, and it’s just like they are here. And when we call upon our faith, when we believe and trust, we know the ones we care about are always close to us. You both have always been so kind and loving. I wish there was more I could do. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Bill & Denise Oliver, Dr. Kirby, Oct. 17, 1987
October 17, 2010
I was sad to hear of Dr. Kirby's passing. He married my husband and I
23 years ago, on the day of his funeral. He will be missed.
Amy Robinson (Williamson)
October 16, 2010
I was truly blessed to have known such a sweet soul! I have very fond memories of Mr. Kirby that I will always cherish! Can't wait to get to heaven so I can shake my finger at him! Much love and sympathy his family.
Amy Robinson (Williamson)
October 16, 2010
I was truly blessed to have known such a sweet soul! I have very fond memories of Mr. Kirby that I will always cherish! Can't wait to get to heaven so I can shake my finger at him! Much love and sympathy his family.
Mitchell North Family
October 16, 2010
We did not know Dr. Kirby, the pastor. We knew Mr. Kirby, our friend and neighbor. A man stopped at the scene of a car accident. He gave the accident victim his cell phone so she could call her family before the ambulance arrived. That was Mr. Kirby. He helped many. He was a man that made a difference. We will miss him.
Ann Allen
October 16, 2010
"Well done good and faithful servant." I imagine those words were proclaimed with great love and devotion upon his arrival in the Kingdom. I imagine also, since Dr. K. knew I had more questions for him, he is getting the answers from the Source Himself before my arrival. Dr. K. will be sorely missed.
Joan Tettleton
October 15, 2010
We were so sorry to hear about Jerry. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this time. His visit here to see Otis when he was sick meant so much to Otis and all of our family. Our family has been truly blessed to share a friendship with you thru the years and will treasure all the memories we shared. We love you, Joan, Christie, Chris & Steve
Vicki Crowell
October 15, 2010
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Kirby. I have so much love for all of you. I have a special memory of all of you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Dr. Kriby had such a sweet service when my Mother passed away in 1997. Avonelle, you were always so special to me. Jerry, you and your family will always be special. Having both of the children in my nursery will always be a special memory. I am so sorry we did not stay in touch but you have always been in my thoughts.
Linda Sulteen Wanzer
October 15, 2010
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to have known Dr. Kirby. He was always such a good teacher of The Word. I will remember his teachings, smiles, kindness and so much more forever. He was so good to my family. Avonelle has always been right beside him and I was always impressed by what a wonderful team they made.
Linda Sulteen Wanzer
October 15, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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