Dynamite Kirk

J.S. "Dynamite" Kirk, 89, of Grenada, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 at his residence. Dynamite was born in Duck Hill, on December 14, 1936 to Julian Wray Kirk and Lois Pyron Kirk. He was 1 of 7 children raised by share croppers. His father also operated heavy equipment for the county. This is where Dynamite was introduced to his first love, heavy equipment. He also sold sewing machines door to door. This is where he learned and honed his selling skills. Construction was more stable though so he settled into working for various construction companies building roads and highways. In 1967, he married Ann Fly from Oakland Ms. Around that time fate would find Dynamite when he met Cliff Colbert. Cliff was the owner of the local Chevrolet dealership. He saw something in Dynamite and convinced him to give up construction and start selling cars. Dynamite took to selling cars like a duck to water. He was so successful that just 6 years later he and Donald Sultan purchased the local Ford dealership. Although he endured some lean times, Dynamite was very successful in the Automobile business. He, with the help of 2 of his sons and hundreds of great employees built one of the largest dealer groups in Mississippi. Kirk Auto Company is one of the oldest dealerships in Mississippi and one of the oldest businesses in Grenada.

Dynamite has been a pillar of the Grenada community for over 50 years. He has been awarded too many professional and community awards to list including the prestigious Ford Presidents Award and Grenada Exchange Club's Book of Golden deeds. The Dynamite Kirk Entrepreneurship Excellence Award was named for him and is given to an outstanding entrepreneur in Grenada annually. Dynamite was also honored as a Distinguished Alumni by Holmes Community College. He has always been a huge supporter of local schools, youth organizations and charities. Dynamite was a man of deep rooted faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2026 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada with Dr. Kevin Jackson and Rev. Eugene Heimbach officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday evening and one hour prior to the service Monday all at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Ann Fly Kirk; three sons, Kris Kirk (Carolyn), Cannon Kirk (Ginny) and Scott Kirk (Andrea); sisters, Rose Bowman(Charles) of Greenwood and Temple Cochran of Greenville; grandchildren, Conner Kirk(Hannah), Casey Kirk, Keaton Kirk, Camille Vincent(Jordan), Tyler Kirk(Madeline), Morgan Kirk(Elora), Bryce Kirk, Blakely Kirk, Madison Kirk, Mallory Kirk and Jack Kirk; and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Pete Kirk, Billy Kirk, Mona Kirk Basinger and Maxine Kirk Ezell.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Kirk, Morgan Kirk, Bryce Kirk, Jack Kirk, Connor Kirk, Casey Kirk and Keaton Kirk. Honorary Pallbearers will be Will Grant, Gary Kirk, Larry (Wab) Morris, Frankie Reed, Stanley Stewart, Tony Kimble, Warren Cox, Hayes Branscome, Jason Neal, Michael Tillman, Joel Kirk and Carter Brandon.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).