Edward Dwight Kirk, 81, of Statesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully after a life marked by devotion, hard work, and service. He was born March 9, 1944, in Richmond County, North Carolina, to the late Ernest Fleaston Kirk and Annie Mae Walters Kirk.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest Kirk, Jr., Mason Kirk, and Bill Kirk, and by his sisters, Vera Brock, Carolyn Taylor, and Barbara Smith.
Edward retired as a lineman from Energy United, where he was known as a hardworking and humble servant. He was an avid tennis player, a lover of all sports, and a talented athlete in his high school years. He cherished children, tended a garden that generously fed his entire neighborhood—fresh produce in the summer and canned goods in the winter—and remained devoted to the love of his life and “only girlfriend ever,” his wife Mary.
A committed Christian, Edward was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church in Statesville.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen Free Kirk; his son, Edward Kevin Kirk (Kelley) of Statesville; his daughter, Beth Kirk Rhyne (Rex) of Angier; his brother, Tim Kirk of Bennettsville, South Carolina; five grandchildren—Paul Rhyne, Kristin Williams, Will Rhyne, Tanner Rhyne, and Kari Kirk; and four great-grandchildren—Adam Rhyne, Grant Rhyne, Warren Rhyne, and Arlo Rhyne.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, 705 Davie Avenue in Statesville. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Paul Hill officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Equipping with Truth, 119 W. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677, or to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 349 Turnersburg Highway, Statesville, NC 28625.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at the funeral home’s website, http://www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Kirk and his family.
