Clarence Ray Kirby

Clarence Ray Kirby, age 93, of Franklin, Kentucky, entered into God’s kingdom on August 24, 2024 at 12:30 a.m. at his residence in the Salmons-Blackjack community of Simpson County, Franklin, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30th from 3:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 31st from 6:00-11:00 a.m. at Franklin Church of Christ in Franklin, Kentucky. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 31st at 11:00 a.m. with interment in Greenlawn Cemetery with military honors given by the Simpson County Honor Guard. 

Clarence was born on June 6, 1931, in Robertson County near White House, Tennessee in a log house off Highway 31-W to the late Donald Bertis Kirby and the late Ferby Jane Ragland Kirby. He was also preceded in death by two young brothers: Euel Cleveland Kirby and Benny Leon Kirby, and a son-in-law, Jack Wayne Burr.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years and 9 months, Lorna Gay Hottinger Kirby, 2 daughters, Kathy Lynne Burr of Adairville, Kentucky; Betty Jane Pedigo (David) of Franklin, a son, Steven Ray Kirby (Denisha) of Franklin; 5 grandchildren, Jeffrey Duke Burr (Leslie Marie), Jennifer Lynne Sanford (Ben), Seth Pedigo, Bailey Pedigo, and Brooks Kirby, all of Franklin, and 8 great-grandchildren, Addyson Cardwell, Liam Montague, Roen Pedigo, Leslie Kate Sanford, Emerson Cardwell, Marydith Sanford, Aaron Burr, and Hutcheson Sanford and 1 sister, Betty Ann Jernigan of Franklin, KY.

A faithful member of the Lord’s church, since his baptism in 1947 in the Sequatchie River, he worshipped and attended services wherever a group of believers were meeting. He was sure to set an example to his family and others to worship our Heavenly Father. He has worshipped and been a member of the Franklin Church of Christ since 1988.

He was known as C.R. or Kirby by many in the community, but by his beloved family he will always be known as Pap. A devoted husband and father to his wife and children and entire family – Clarence lived a wonderful life that many don’t get to enjoy. From his birth to the families move to the hills of Dunlap/Gainesboro, Tennessee to his travels during his naval service to finally making a home in Franklin, he worked hard and committed lots of time to his family. Whether it be riding his bike as a young paperboy to helping his parents in the fields on a farm in west Simpson County – he was very dedicated. In August of 1950 at the age of 19 – he decided to join the United States Navy. God blessed him beyond measure as he set his goals high in climbing the ranks. He achieved one of his goals of becoming a Master Seamon and then retired as a Chief Petty Officer (FTCM-E9) while sailing the world on large destroyers and small tin cans. He finished up his naval career by becoming an electrician and teaching school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After 20 years in the Navy, he finally retired and was decommissioned in September 1970. After traveling the world and moving his family from place to place – he settled his family down in Franklin, Kentucky in the Salmons-Blackjack community in 1973, taking a job at a brand-new plant - Sealed Power Corporation – where he was hired as a janitor. After just a few days – the plant manager found out that he was an electrician and made him a part of the maintenance crew before his promotion to Plant Engineer within a very short time. He would work for another 18 years before his retirement in 1989 to go again and enjoy the world.

Clarence and Gay would then set sail on another adventure in their beloved “CAN I GO” convertible van campers. Traveling became a hobby for both. He wanted to share his love of traveling with his family and others along with teaching them about the wonderful creation that God had blessed all of us with.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc. which Clarence supported for many years. They pack boxes and send out trucks to help with natural disasters in times of need. He and his wife, Gay, worked in the Nashville warehouse many times and they also went on a few trips to help with support at disaster affected areas. Forms are available at the funeral home, at Franklin Church of Christ, or you can donate online at www.disasterreliefeffort.org/donate. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. The website is www.gilbertfhonline.com. The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.