William Leon Kirk

A U.S. Navy veteran, Bill found love while stationed in Italy during the 1970s. Married in 1977, he returned to the States with his wife, Robin. They settled in New Jersey, where they welcomed their first daughter, Kara.

The 1980s brought the birth of Bill’s second daughter, Kelli, and son, Billy, before the family moved to North Carolina.

The 1990s saw softball and soccer games, volleyball matches, Cub Scout meetings, and baseball coaching. After work, during work, it didn’t matter — Bill was always on time for his kids.

The 2000s brought tennis matches, Carolina games, and one of Bill's greatest joys: becoming a grandfather. In 2007, he welcomed his first grandchild, followed by three more in 2009, 2010, and 2014. He treasured every moment with his grandchildren.

Along the way, Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Even as the disease progressed, he continued to enjoy time with his family and attending the games, graduations, recitals, and milestones that meant so much to them.

Bill loved Twizzlers and Tootsie Rolls. But more than anything, he loved his family.

Brother. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Coach. Scoutmaster. Veteran. In each, a story of impact and influence you cannot convey with justice, not if you spent a thousand years, not if you tried a million ways.

And so, of William Leon Kirk, let it be said, simply and above all else, that he remains. Forgotten never, remembered always. His love, a legacy even oceans of time cannot swallow.

William is survived by his wife, Dolores [Pepe] Kirk; daughters, Kara (Chris) Brewer and Kelli (Clint) McCaskill; sons, Kevin Kirk and Billy Kirk; grandchildren, Kieran Kirk, Caden Brewer, Lyla Brewer, Chase McCaskill, Jenna Teague, J.J. McCaskill, and Audrey McCaskill; sisters, Donna (Gene) Gohlke, Lisa Cychosz, Maria Janisch, Trish (Roger) Kirk, and Sandra Cobb; and brother, Harold (Michelle) Kirk. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

William was preceded in death by parents, William and Marguerite Kirk; mother-in-law, Margaret Pepe; father-in-law, Joseph Pepe; and guardian, Shirley Link.

Visitation will be held at McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 Clayton Boulevard, Clayton, North Carolina, on August 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will follow at McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel on August 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in memory of William.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Durham VA Medical Center for the care they provided.