Larry Robert Kirby, 61, of McMinnville (Dibrell community) departed from this life on Feb. 8 following a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Mr. Kirby passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Oct. 12, 1960 in Warren County to James Edward Kirby Sr. and Lona Moffitt Kirby. He was preceded in death by his mother.

In addition to his father, he leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Deborah Lowery Kirby, son Jared Lee (Sarah Beth) Kirby, daughter Amber (Tony) Becker, siblings Betty (Ronnie)Whitlock, James Edward Kirby Jr., Terry (Anita) Kirby, and Mike Kirby. He is also survived by three grandchildren Skylar Brae Robert Armbruster, Ayla Mae Becker, Alona Vae Becker, and two step-grandchildren Anna Grace King and Caleb King, along with special nephews and a host of family and friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.

Larry was a dedicated and faithful Christian who served as a teacher, song leader, missionary, and a deacon, most recently, at Hwy 56 N Church of Christ. He was a self-employed nurseryman for 45 years, a skilled carpenter, an all-around handyman, and retired as maintenance supervisor at Dibrell Elementary School. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting rocks and Indian artifacts, traveling, and growing pumpkins.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Hwy 56 N Church of Christ, 3897 Smithville Hwy., McMinnville, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Amer-Indian Missions of Guyana, South America, in care of Morrison Church of Christ, P.O. Box 276 Morrison, TN 37357.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Feb. 11, 2022