He accepted Christ at a early age and was baptized at Rock Island Baptist Church in Port Arthur, TX by Pastor McCarter. He was a faithful member of the church, attending Sunday school, bible studies and youth activities. He attended Carver elementary and went on to graduate from Lincoln High School in 1970. During his youth, he found his passion for the game of basketball. At under 6 feet tall, this passion turned “Poo” into a hometown legend.
Fred was a phenomenal basketball player, known for his sweet jump shot and ability to score on just about anyone. He excelled so much that during the 1969-70 season he earned US National recognition as a High School All American, being one of the top basketball players in the country. Upon graduation, he attended Southern University then later moved to Los Angeles to be with family.
Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, he started working for the LA Times as a Pressman. He retired in 2012 after 38 years of service. He was a proud member of the LA Times Pressmen’s 20 year club.
In 1982, He met the love of his life, Loretta Minnix and married her on May 19th, 1984. This union lasted 34 years.
In 2001, Fred became a regular at Starbucks coffee. He was known as the Ambassador of Starbucks and you would always see him with a smile on his face and an infectious laugh that he called the “Kirby Charm”. His coffee addiction led to some of the greatest times of his life.
Fred enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved talking on his cell phone with his buddies, drinking coffee at all times of the day, and cooking whenever he felt he had to. He also spent most of his years volunteering at the local community centers and the YMCA. He spent his free time watching various sports games live and on TV; and he played the California Lottery scratchers almost every day. He touched the hearts and lives of many people and he will greatly be missed.
Fred Kirby is preceded in death by his mother Corrine Lofton, Brother Clarence Lofton, and Brother Richard Lofton. He leaves behind his wife Loretta Minnix-Kirby; daughter Kashima Kirby; son Brandon Kirby, son Darnell Kirby; eldest brother Archie Lofton; four grandchildren Destiny, Samaiya, Jalum, and Quan'Narius; nephews Elgin, Richard, and Clarence; nieces, Susan, Tonya, Masaye, Ashley, Savannah, Corrine; and host of family and friends too numerous to name.
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