Carl "Kelly" Kirby Jr.

Carl Kirby Jr. "Kelly", 53 died suddenly on Thursday, January 29, 2015, due to a massive heart attack. Born in Brandon, Florida on November 4, 1961. He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Holly Kirby; their son, Noah Kirby, his mother, Ella Riggs, mother-in-law, Bonni Armstrong; three brothers, Kenny, Clint and Beau; step-brother, Thomas Riggs; brother-in-law, Joseph Lauer; sister-in-law, Meredith Lauer; four nephews, Dylan Lauer, Logan Lauer, Josh Hinson and Garrett Hinson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his dearly beloved "Granny", Louise Johnson.

He owned his own trim carpentry business, C. Kirby Inc., since 2003. He poured his heart into building things and was amazing at it, to say the least. As a long-time friend of his recently quoted, "God must have needed a great angel to build something very special up in Heaven."

Kelly had a lifelong love of surfing, fishing and dirt bike riding, though more than anything, he took great pride in being a loving father. Although his time here on Earth was much too short, he leaves us with wonderful memories which we will never forget, not even for a second. He will surely be deeply and sorely missed by all who knew him. Quite simply, to know Kelly was to love him.

A Celebration Gathering will be held at Wells Memorial, 1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563 on Saturday, February 21, 2015 beginning at 11am. A Memorial Service will follow at 12pm.

Flowers are accepted, yet due to Kelly's deep passion for animals and their welfare, you may opt to make a donation in lieu of flowers on Kelly's behalf to one of the following:

ASPCA of Tampa Bay - 9099 130th Ave, Largo, Florida 33773 (spcatampabay.org)

Big Cat Rescue of Tampa, Florida - 12802 Easy Street, Tampa, Florida 33625-3702 (222.bigcatrescue.org)