John Kirk Obituary
Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Father Kirk answered his calling early, attending St. Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, KY, and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. Ordained in 1970 at Sacred Heart Church (now The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) in Knoxville, he dedicated his life to serving the Diocese of Nashville, founding new parishes and serving communities across Middle Tennessee.
Upon retirement in 2018, Father Kirk continued to serve as needed, cherishing his role as a priest. He said, "Being a parish priest is all I wanted to be. I am eternally grateful and thankful to our Lord for the call to be his priest."
Known for his generosity, quick laugh, non-judgmental mercy, and steadfast faith, Father Kirk lived simply, enjoying praying, reading, walking, mentoring young people, and ice cream. He baptized and married many nieces and nephews, leaving a lasting family legacy. His family loves and honors him for the life he modeled, the walks they shared, and his unwavering kindness and generosity in times of need. The family wishes to thank all who cared for him and showed him the respect and dignity he deserved.
He lived his vocation and his life with joy and humility and now rests in eternal peace.
Father Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen L. and Anna Mae Billington Kirk; sister Mary Kirk Bassett Montgomery and husband John Bassett; and brothers, Stephen L. Kirk, Jr., Joseph Billington Kirk, and Monsignor Thomas Kirk; and nephew Ambrose Bassett. He is survived by his twin sister, Anne Kirk Gallegos (Eloy); sister, Joan Kirk Lyttle (Russ); brother, Phillip Anthony Kirk (Suzanne); sisters-in-law, Gerry Kirk (Stephen) and Helen Kirk (Joseph); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The viewing will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 8:30 - 9:15 am with a Rosary service following at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann, on Kingston Pike. The funeral Mass will then be held at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Knoxville, TN, on the same Friday at10 am. A reception will follow the mass in the Cathedral Hall. The interment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 3 pm on that Friday. A Remembrance Mass will be held in Nashville, TN, at the Church of Nativity, on Saturday, February 7th, at 10 am. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Angie Gillette
January 26, 2026
My condolences to the family. I am sure Father Kirk will be sorely missed. I will always have such wonderful, sweet and funny memories of, as I refer to him my beloved priest. He was precious. I will remember the Holy Masses he celebrated with us and always his prayer intention for the Holy souls in Purgatory. We were blessed to have him as our priest for a time at St. Philip in Franklin. May he be richly rewarded as always being the good and faithful priestly servant of Our Lord, and may he enter in to his heavenly reward and enjoy the beatific vision with The Trinity, Mary and Joseph, the Saints and Angels. He is loved and missed.
Angie Gillette
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Erin Morel
January 22, 2026
We have so loved Father, a good and holy priest. He was entirely dedicated to his beautiful vocation. His laughter and the twinkle in his eyes spread joy to all of us. He really gave his life to God and God's work on earth. We are so happy he finished well and is now celebrating with Jesus and Mary. We are so thankful to God for him. RIP
Jacque Srouji
January 22, 2026
Father Kirk was a dedicated Catholic priest and a blessing to all of us.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Make a Donation
in John Kirk's name
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Kirk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
