John Warwick Kirby Sr.

John Warwick Kirby, Sr., 81, of Forest, died, Thursday, November 17, 2011, at his residence. He was the husband of the late Doris Shepherd Kirby. Born September 7, 1930, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Howard Lee Kirby and the late Elsie M. Harris Kirby.

Mr. Kirby was a retired diesel mechanic for Burlington Industries. He also served our country for four years in the United States Navy and then retired after twenty-one years from the United States Marine Corp. (Staff Sgt.), where he served during the Vietnam War. Mr. Kirby was also a member of the American Legion Post 16 and Moose Lodge 715.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Kirby is preceded in death by one son, Carl Anderson Kirby, Sr.; two brothers and three sisters.

Mr. Kirby is survived by five children, John Kirby, Jr. and his wife Sandra of Madison Heights, Helen Dianne Mayberry and her husband Robert of Altavista, William Preston Kirby of Rustburg, Robbie Lee Kirby of Forest and Michael Troy Kirby, also of Forest; daughter-in-law, Diana Kirby of Gladys; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with the Rev. Mark Snowden officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park where the American Legion Post 16 will present Military Honors.

The family will receive friends, 6-8 p.m., Monday, November 21, 2011, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and at other times at the residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.