David Kirby

David Archie Kirby, 76, went to be with the Lord on Thursday October 25, 2018. He was born February 24, 1942 in Gaston County to the late Lawrence Johnson and Estelle Horne Kirby.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Lana Justus Kirby; son David Matthew Kirby and wife Suzanne of Gastonia; daughters Melanie K. Splawn and husband Scott of Gastonia, Windy Kirby Gibson and husband David of Cherryville; stepson Jason Nixon and wife Jennifer of Gastonia; brothers James Kirby and wife Linda of Kings Mountain, Charles Kirby and wife Betty of Bessemer City; sisters-in-law Marion Clemmer of Gastonia, Jean Sosebee of Bessemer City; grandchildren Jordan Kirby, Jeremy Eaves, Brent Metcalf, Zak Splawn, Luke Splawn; great-grandson Brandon Nixon.

David was a member of First Assembly Church in Gastonia and he was a veteran of the United States Army. He was also a member of the Whetstone Masonic Lodge #515 Bessemer City, and the Bessemer City American Legion Post 243. David received his master's degree in Religious Studies from New Life Bible College and Seminary. He retired from Lithium Corporation in Bessemer City and then worked in Security at Gaston College.

A Celebration of David's life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, October 29, 2018 at First Assembly Church in Gastonia with Rev. Dennis Boyce and Rev. Lamar Creel officiating.

Interment will follow at Bessemer City Memorial Cemetery with military honors and Masonic rites by Whetstone Masonic Lodge #515 Bessemer City.

David's family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to First Assembly, 777 S. Myrtle School Road, Gastonia, NC 28052 OR St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105