Bobby Ray Kirby Sr.

MURRELLS INLET – Bobby Ray Kirby, Sr., age 78, of Murrells Inlet, formerly of Jonesville, passed away Saturday January 26, 2013 at the Medical University of SC.

Born August 24, 1934 in Spartanburg County, S.C., he was the son of the late Homer and Nannie Kirby. Mr. Kirby was retired from the U.S. Air Force as a loadmaster on flight status and traveled all over the world. He made air drops to both the North and South Pole. He was an instructor for the USAF and Army and trained them to load aircrafts. He earned many medals including the Army and Air Force Commendation medals. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Murrells Inlet, S.C. Mr. Kirby was a member of the Mason Prudence Lodge #139 in Jonesville, S.C. He was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, and a grandchild.

Survivors include wife, Wanda W. Kirby of Murrells Inlet; sons, Bobby (Susan) Kirby, Jr. and Michael (Ines) Kirby both of Jonesville, S.C.; daughters, Sherry Smith of Jonesville, S.C. and Teresa (Mark) Jolly of Moncks Corner, S.C.; a stepson Jeff (Renee) Shipley of Gaffney, S.C.; a stepdaughter Missy (Steve) Edwards of Shelby, N.C.; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers; and three sisters.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior at the funeral home.

A memorial service will also be held Friday, February 1, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Holcombe’s Jonesville Chapel. The family will be at the home of his son, Michael Kirby, 150 Littlefield Ext., Jonesville, on Thursday and Friday.

Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society 950 48th Ave. N., Suite 101 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

The family will be at the home of Michael Kirby, 150 Littlefield Ext, Jonesville.

Goldfinch Funeral Home is assisting the family in Murrells Inlet and the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home, Union, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)