John Christopher Kirby

Born July 20, 1965, he was the son of Judge Robert William Kirby of Newton, and the late June Bruton McCollum Kirby.

Chris was a 1983 graduate of Cherryville High School and then attended Appalachian State University where he was a member of the Cross Country Team. He graduated from the University of South Carolina where he received a BS degree in pharmacy and was a member of the pharmacy fraternity Kappa Psi. Chris was mentored at a young age by Bill and Frank Allen at Medical Center Pharmacy in Cherryville, NC and became the owner and pharmacist of Bowman Drug Co. in Conover in 1997. For the last 18 years, he has enjoyed sharing his pharmacy knowledge with his customers and young pharmacy students and was a pharmacy preceptor for several universities including UNC, Wingate, Presbyterian, and the Univ. of South Carolina. Chris was an entrepreneur at heart and loved supporting local business in the community.

Chris was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Newton, NC, was an Eagle Scout and assistant Boy Scout leader for Troop 383 in Conover, NC, and was currently serving as a board member of the Neighbors Network in Conover, NC. He was an avid fan of all sports, especially South Carolina Gamecock football and enjoyed fly fishing and being outdoors. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially being involved in his children’s activities.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 24 years, Michelle Mackie Kirby, of the home; sons, John C. Kirby, Jr. of Newton, NC, William M. Kirby of Newton, NC; daughter, Anna G. Kirby, of Newton, NC; father, Judge Robert William Kirby of Newton, NC; two brothers, Robert Kirby and wife, Vicki of Lenexa, KS and Greg Kirby of Cherryville, NC; nieces and nephews, Emily Kirby, Gregory Kirby, Taylor Kirby and Patrick Kirby.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church in Newton, with Rev. Steven Barnes officiating.

A reception for family and friends will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Concordia Youth Central, Boy Scout Troop 383, 216 5th Ave., SE, Conover, NC 28613, or Corner Table of Newton, PO Box 1051, Newton, NC 28658, or Neighbors Network, 706 1st Ave., SW, Conover, NC 28613 or their website, www.neighborsnetwork.org, or to Susan G. Komen Foundation, Attn: Donor Relations & Services, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.