William Eugene Kirby

LEXINGTON – William Eugene “Gene” Kirby, 81, was called to be with the Lord and Savior, Saturday, March 2, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel with interment to follow in Southland Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum. Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midlands Christian Church, 1312 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072.

Mr. Kirby was born February 5, 1932 in Enid, OK and raised in Hobbs, NM. He was a son of the late William Joseph Kirby and Virginia Luella Routh. Mr. Kirby was a member of Midlands Christian Church.

After his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, he became a full time college student while working full time and earned degrees in mechanical, electrical and nuclear engineering. During his lifetime he worked in the oil fields, developed nuclear defense weapons, nuclear fuel rods and always enjoyed his work. Mr. Kirby accomplished many patents but was especially honored to be leader of the team that developed the first double laser welder during his tenure before retirement from Westinghouse after thirty years. He loved golf, bowling and spending time with his family.

Mr. Kirby is survived by his daughter, Gloria Kirby Smoak; son, Timothy Daniel Kirby; grandchildren, Jennifer, Ashley, Jessica, Mandy, Deanna, Dalton and Benjamin; great grandchildren, Breanna, Ariel, Aubrey, Cody, Preston, Dillon and Adeline. He is predeceased by his parents; brother, Donald and his wife, Mignon.