Ronnie Lee Kirby, 81, of Jackson, Missouri, a former Poplar Bluff resident, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 22, 1940, in Brookport, Illinois, to the late Millard DC Kirby and Lee Helen (Davis) Wilson. On Sept. 9, 1961, he married Louise Kirby. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage.
He was a member of the Palace of Praise in Poplar Bluff for 30 years, where he served as an usher. He was truly a believer in God. He lived his life to please his God. He witnessed to as many people to do the same, to insure their place in Heaven.
Ronnie enjoyed fishing, wood working, playing with his grand and great-grandchildren.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his children, Richard Allen Kirby and wife, Debra, Dale Kirby, Dovonna Lynn Slinkard and husband, Rocky L; his grandchildren, Cody Kirby, Tiffany Emerson and husband, Derek, Ricky Kirby Jr., Felicia Kirby, Marcus Kirby and wife, Misty, Matthew Kirby, Corey Gebauer, Sara Strouse and husband, Mike, Michael Morris and Ricky Kirby. Sixteen great-grandchildren also survive.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ronnie Kirby Jr., a granddaughter, Paula Kirby, and a brother, James Edward Kirby.
Visitation will begin at noon Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at Fowler Sullivan Funeral Home.
Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.
He will be laid to rest in the City Cemetery, with Bishop Kent Miller officiating.