Billy C. Kirby

Billy C. Kirby of Laurel, MS, passed away on Aug 1, 2013, in Biloxi, MS, at the age of 84.
Mr. Kirby graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mississippi State University where he received his degree in Accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant. His career led him to Laurel, MS, and West Quality Food Service where he served as Vice-president of Finances. During his time at West Quality he was named a ""Kentucky Colonel"", a high honor, and received a gold KFC ring. He retired from West Quality in 1996.
He was of the Baptist faith and had served as Sunday School Teacher and Deacon. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church in Laurel, MS. Mr. Kirby was a strong Christian and a Mason. He humbly served others and used his expertise to assist friends in starting their businesses. He could always be counted on by his family and friends to lead by example and be by their side whenever he was needed.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thornton Claud and Mary Sue Kirby, two brothers Finas A. Kirby and Coy Kirby, two sisters Marvene Holland and Ima Jean Farnsworth, and one granddaughter Lilee Rhea Kirby.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years Frances Kirby, daughter Beverly Jones of Biloxi, MS, daughter Sonia Taylor (Gerald) of Friendswood, TX, and son Craig Kirby (Heather) of Stratford, SD. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Benjamin Allen (Jonica), Eric Allen (Shaina), Jonathan Jones (Melissa), Ryan Jones, Jake Kirby, Lee Kirby (Julie), Katie Kirby, Kristen Kirby, Nicolae Taylor, and four great-grandchildren, Kaden Allen, Maya Allen, Trent Jones, and Gabriel Kirby.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 2, 2013, at 1:30 PM at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME on Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, with visitation from 12:30 PM until the service. Dr. Gerald Gordon of Jackson, MS, a long standing friend, will officiate assisted by Reverend Gene Douglas of Highland Baptist Church, Laurel. Burial will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery. His grandsons are honored to serve as Pallbearers.