Joseph Hartwell Kirby

Joseph Hartwell Kirby “Pop” 92, of Mebane, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023.  Raised in Prospect Hill (Caswell County), NC, he was the son of John Henry and Eva Clayton Kirby.  Pop served in the United States Navy, USS Whetstone, during the Korean War.  Upon honorable discharge from the military, Pop was a lifelong farmer who loved to fish and hunt.  He was a Christian and a loyal Sunday morning viewer of Dr. Charles Stanley. 

Pop is survived by one brother, Coy Kirby of Mebane; and two sisters, Lucy McBroom of Mebane, and Clara Cobb, of Yanceyville.  He is survived by four children, Ronald R. Kirby (Amie) of Rocky Mount, Virginia; Dr. Sharon K. Thompson (Randy) of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; Jeffrey D. Kirby (Cindie) of Mebane, NC; and Wendy K. Holt (Sean) of Graham, NC.  Nine  grandchildren, Andrew Thompson (Christa), Lee Mann (Karla), Traci Leach (Chad), Mandilyn Fink (Michael), Chelcy Kirby, Kaci Turner (Colton), Jeffrey Kirby, Jr. (Jasmine), Clayton Kirby, Jacob Holt (Ali).  He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren all whom he adored with his heart; and one very special niece, Mary Kirby Foster.

Pop was preceded in death by six brothers, James Kirby, J.B. Kirby, Franklin Kirby, Harvey Kirby, Henry Kirby and Billie Kirby; and four sisters, Ada Nicks, Esther Turner, Martha Kirk and Mildred Phelps.

Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Thuraday January 12, 2023 in the McClure Chapel, Mebane by Elder Jack Carter.  Visitation will be held following the service. Flowers may be sent to McClure Funeral Home, Mebane or in lieu of memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 89, Veterans of Foreign War, PO Box 1553 Yanceyville NC 27379 (subject line Veterans Memorial)  or Post 447 15925 NC HWY 86 Prospect Hill, NC 27314.or Po2st15925 447 15925 NC Hwy 86 Prospect Hill, NC 27314”or Por Post 447 15925 NC Hwy 86 Prospect Hill, NC 27314”or Post 447 15925 NC Hwy 86 Prospect Hill, NC 27314”ost 447 15925 NC Hwy 86 Prospect Hill, NC 27314”