Chris A. Kirby

Chris Alva Kirby passed away on April 23, 2025, at the Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson, Kentucky. He was born in Marion, Illinois on February 2, 1955, the son of Billy Gene and Catherine (Green) Kirby.

He was united in marriage in Paducah, Kentucky on June 22, 1990, to Renee (Turner) Kirby, whom he had dated for ten years prior to the wedding. Together they shared almost 35 years of marriage. They were blessed with one daughter Kimberly Caldwell.

Chris was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and bass fishing and often participated in fishing tournaments with his wife and family. He was a lifetime member of the Goreville Masonic Lodge #339.

He began his working career on the railroad and later transitioned to boat manufacturing, working for Celebrity Boat Factory and Mariah Boat Factory. He also worked for Aisin Manufacturing and later retired as a custodian from the Goreville C.U.S.D. #1.

Chris’ hobbies included fishing and hunting deer, rabbit, and squirrel. He enjoyed playing poker and sharing the camaraderie with his friends. In his younger days he would play his guitar at the bar and a friendly game of pool. His family was his pride and joy, spending time with them was what he loved the most. When he was raising his family, they spent many weekends at bass fishing tournaments while enjoying the outdoor tent camping life. The family recalls many fond memories they shared while hunting and fishing with him.

He is survived by his wife Renee, his daughter, Kimberly (Jason) Caldwell, his sisters, Rita Motsinger and Kira Franklin and his brother Tracy (Diane) Kirby, his grandson Timothy (Teddie) Caldwell along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and his best friend Roland “Sonny” Studer as well as his yorkie- poo Mimi.

He was proceeded in death by his parents.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley- Ross. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at Blue Funeral Home located at 812 South Broadway in Goreville, Illinois. Masonic rites will begin at 1:00 P.M. Funeral services will follow with Pastor Jason Forby officiating. Interment will be in Cana Cemetery in Goreville.

In lieu of customary remembrances the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to the family to help with final expenses. Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave online condolences.