May 20, 1955 November 5, 2023
Ricky Dean Kirby, 68, of Hickory, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born May 20, 1955, in Catawba County, NC, he was the son of the late Paul Reavis Kirby and Henrianna Anderson Kirby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Sonny Kirby. Rick graduated from St. Stephen's High School in 1973 and continued a relationship with many of his classmates. He spent his career in the tire industry, literally going from tire changer to owner of Alray Tire Center in Statesville. He enjoyed coaching little league football, pulling for the Dallas Cowboys, working in his garage, doting on his grandchildren, and his precious Opie. His family will never forget the visits, prayers and the overall friendship that was poured out over the last three months, all showing how much he was loved. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy Harris Kirby of the home, son, Nicholas Dustin Kirby and wife Jessi of Taylorsville, NC, daughter, Tara Kirby Rucker and husband Brian of Charleston, SC, sister, Alice Kirby of Hickory, NC, three brothers: Dan Kirby and wife Judy of Love Valley, NC, Wayne Kirby and wife Janie, and Noel Kirby and wife Donna all of Hickory, NC, grandbabies: Tate Kirby, Autumn Kirby, Anderson Rucker, brother in law, Rick Harris and wife Pam of Morganton, NC, sister in law, Sandy Sparks of Tennessee, and many loved nieces and nephews.
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A graveside service to celebrate Rick's life will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Catawba Memorial Park with the Rev. Marcus Ollis officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658, or Fallen Heroes, C/O Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, 3702 16th St., N.E., Hickory, NC 28601.
On-line condolences may be left at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com. Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory in Hickory is serving the family of Ricky Dean Kirby.
