He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Anne Murphy (Dennison), his daughter, Melissa Anne Barber, and his brother, Frank Edward Murphy, and his aunt, Retha Fuller.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra Kaye (Eaton) Murphy, his son, Christopher Michael Murphy (Alisha Mizell), grandsons, Michael Robert Barber, Austin John Barber and Mason Mizell, his aunt, Margaret Morehead, as well as numerous cousins and friends.
John Kirby lived a full and rewarding life that helped him to pursue various careers. He was very proud that he fulfilled his mother's wishes and graduated from Murray State University with a B.S. Degree in History & Political Science. He spent 10 years as a teacher and administrator before starting a 20-year career with the Champion Spark Plug Company working in sales,
training and management positions. Prior to retiring, John Kirby spent 7 years as Assistant Housing Director of the Glasgow Housing Authority in Kentucky.
