Robert William “Bob” Kirby Jr. of Charlton Heights passed away December 19, 2009 at Montgomery General Hospital following a short illness. His loving family and friends surrounded him.
Bob was born at East Gulf to the late Robert W. and Marie Edna Bowman Kirby. Bob entered the military service as a young 18 year-old during World War II. He was recognized for his outstanding courage and gallantry in action by being awarded the Bronze Star as well as the Silver Star. He was battlefield commissioned for valor in the European Theatre and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.
He began his mining experience at the Harewood Mine of Allied Chemical Corporation’s Semet-Solvay. He joined Hawks Nest Mining Company at Eagle and served as vice-president of mining operations. He was also employed by Esmer and Associates at Boomer.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years the former Janice Faye Ratliff; daughter Donna Jean Shabdue and her husband Douglas; granddaughter Robyn Shabdue Allen and her husband Franklin “Scott”; two great-granddaughters Jenna LeRaye and Jadyn Victoria Allen all of Adena Village; two sisters Phyllis Hanna of Waynesboro, VA and Sarah Lou Harris of Virginia Beach, VA; eight nieces and a nephew.
In addition to his parents was preceded in death by two sisters Bette Kincaid and Irene Brown.
His body has been entrusted to O’Dell Funeral Home in Montgomery. Friends may call at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at the Montgomery Presbyterian Church where a service will be held at 1:00 PM with Rev. Joan Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Montgomery Memorial Part at London.