Kirby, William "Bill" Anthony Jr.

October 30, 1948 - July 22, 2021

Passed away peacefully in Clearwater, FL on July 22, 2021 at the age of 72. Bill was born on October 30, 1948 in Osmond, NE to the late William and Evalyn (Tuma) Kirby. He was the third of nine siblings. Bill attended Wausa Public Schools, and graduated in 1966. He attended UNL after graduation. Bill went on to start and operate several businesses and moved to Clearwater, FL in 1987 to start Kirby Grinding Services. He operated the business up until his death.

Bill was a great brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and a loyal friend to many. Many remember him as "The Duke"! He was a charter member of Phi Zappa Krappa. He loved sports with his teams being the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bucs, the Rays, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was a gentleman and very generous to all. He led a good life, and will be missed by all that met him.

Bill is survived by his brothers, Neil Kirby (Terri), Elkhorn, NE, Greg Kirby (Mary), Omaha, and Mark Kirby, Crofton, NE; his sisters, Kathy O'Brien (Dave), Yankton, S.D.; and Sandy White, Council Bluffs, IA; and in-laws, Dan Barnett, Hot Springs, AR, Dan Wetherell, St. Peter's, MO, and Lou Van Dyke, Omaha. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Evalyn Kirby; brother, Kevin Kirby; and sisters, Sheila Barnett and Nancy Wetherell.

A GRAVESIDE SERVICE will be held at 11:30am, August 14th in Battle Creek, NE. Memorials will be directed by the family.

REICHMUTH FUNERAL HOME

21901 West Maple | (402) 289-2222

www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com

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Published by Omaha World-Herald on Aug. 8, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Kirby

Sponsored by Reichmuth Funeral Home - Omaha / Elkhorn.

7 Entries

Sean Kelly

August 2, 2024

I do miss my conversations with Bill. He always had a good story and was a very hardworking honest man.

Nick

October 27, 2021

Mr. Kirby was a customer of mine for 30 years we respected him appreciated him and we were very fond of him we helped him in his last couple of years especially modifying his vehicles to help him get in and out of them with his health issues I am so sad to see him gone I considered him a dear friend

Sean Kelly

October 4, 2021

I was a vendor for Kirby Grinding and used yo work on Bills machines back in the 90´s. Bill was a great hardworking man. We became friends although we did not talk often I always enjoyed seeing him. My condolences to his family and friends

PATRICK BUNAISKY

September 4, 2021

I just wanted to add a photo I found with Bill & I having fun out & about on the weekend! I sure had loads of fun with Bill all the time we had together. Miss 'ya buddy!

PATRICK BUNAISKY

August 29, 2021

I just found out today, as I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get a hold of Bill during the Nebraska football game last night and again this Sunday morning. Bill was a very good friend of mine for many years, as we both loved the Tampa Bay Bucs, the Rays, the Lightning, and both our college football teams (Nebraska Cornhuskers & Florida Gators). Bill even made it to a few Florida Gator football games with me. Bill was so kind
and compassionate to everyone. I moved from the Clearwater, FL area in 2015 to Jacksonville, FL, but always kept in touch with Bill and his on going health issues and our beloved sports teams. I am a very sad person today, as I for one will miss Bill deeply. My condolences to all his family members up in Nebraska. Bye Bill....missing you buddy!

Bill and Dianne Campbell

August 13, 2021

We have been neighbors of Bill´s for many years at Cove Cay Condos in Clearwater, Fl. So terribly sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. He was always so sweet and lovely!
We will miss him very much. Our sympathies to the family

Dale Jones

August 8, 2021

I went to breakfast this morning at the Country Skillet in Largo, Florida, one my and Bill's favorite restaurants only to hear of my dear friends passing. Although we hadn't seen each other in person due to the pandemic, we continued to stay in touch by phone. Before covid, we saw each other mostly on the weekends at breakfast. We always had the greatest conversations and have been doing so for years. We talked about sports, work, politics, and anything newsworthy, but we always talked about our families and home. I know he loved his family and missed his home state of Nebraska. He always asked about my family and even knew my grandsons. Bill was a great man with a huge heart and was always very generous to his workers and the staff at the restaurant. I will miss our talks, as we always said it was nice to have intelligent conversations with somebody! It won't be the same going to the skillet anymore knowing my friend won't be there. Rest in peace, dear friend.

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