Former House Member, Honorable John M. Kirby, Sr., 93, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 13, 2017 at McLeod Hospice House. He was born on March 8, 1924, a son of the late Dr. Joe H. Kireby and the late Madge Edwards Kirby.
Mr. Kirby proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Navy and the United States Naval Reserve. He had an outstanding war record as he saw action in Europe, Africa, the Middle Eastern area, and the Asiatic Pacific Area having earned thirteen battle stars. While there, he crossed the equator ten times and the 180th meridian four times, having engaged the enemy from Guadalcanal to Japan. Mr. Kirby was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3181, Florence, S.C. and a member of the American Legion Post 5, Marion, S.C.
Mr. Kirby was involved in several civic and community activities, including being a charter member and first President of the Mullins Rescue Squad. He served as a former member of the Mullins City Council and later as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives from Marion County. He was a past member of the S.C. Law Enforcement Agency and past Chairman of the Marion County Department of Social Services. Mr. Kirby was also a member of the Hut Class of Macedonia United Methodist Church. He enjoyed having his morning coffee with friends at the Mullins Coffee Club.
He was predeceased by his wife, Olga Petros Kirby; a grandson, Will Hawkins; one brother, Dr. Joe H. Kirby, Jr. M.D. and two sisters, Madge Kirby Jordan and Kathryn Kirby Blue.
Mr. Kirby is survived by two sons, Dr. John M. Kirby, Jr. and his wife, Vicki and Paul R. Kirby all of Mullins; two daughters, Barbara Ann Hawkins of Hamer, and B.J. Larson of Swansboro, N.C.; one sister, Norma Reid of Mullins; three grandsons, John M. (Carson) Kirby III of Latta, Michael Joseph (Charlene) Kirby of Aynor, and Kirby Hawkins of Charleston.; one granddaughter, Nicole (Brad) Johnson of Cedar Point, N.C.; four great- grandsons and three great- granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 17, 2017 at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. A private burial will follow the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in John’s memory to Macedonia United Methodist Church, 402 North Main Street, Mullins, S.C. 29574.
A message of condolence for the family may be left at mearesfh.com.