James Ezell Kirby, 91, of 304 Providence Road, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 11, 2008, at his residence.

Born in Gaffney, he was the husband of Mary Tisdale Kirby and son of the late William Alexander Kirby

and Florence Ann

Wright Kirby. Mr.

Kirby was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was a retired truck driver for Oxford Industries and Randolph Trucking. He was a member of Limestone Street United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Steve Kirby of Blacksburg; three daughters, Naomi Smith and husband, Freddy, of Seymour, Tenn., Gloria Smith and husband, Buddy, of Kings Mountain, N.C., and Frankie Bishop of Mill Spring, N.C.; a sister, Marie Cloninger and husband, Sam, of Gaffney; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and four great-greatgrandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kirby was preceded in death by two sons, Tony Kirby and Don Kirby; three brothers, Harold Kirby, Guy Kirby and Pitt Kirby and by two sisters, Nellie Ruth Wilson and Khiva Kelly.

Graveside services will be held Monday, April 14, at 2 p.m. in Frederick Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Bobby M. McFalls. The family will meet with friends at the graveside after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Interim Hospice, 775 Spartan Blvd., Suite 101, Spartanburg, S.C. 29301; or to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1886, Gaffney, S.C. 29342.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome. com.

Arrangements by Blakely Funeral Home.