Billy Joe Kirby was born September 5,1947 to Elmo and Ollie Mae Kirby in Hunter, AR.  He passed away, at his home in Des Arc, on Saturday, April 16, 2022.  Bill was known by the community as a man that loved his outdoor sports, hunting, fishing and spending time his dog, Sam. Bill had a fun loving spirit with an in infectious laugh.

Bill was a 1965 graduate from Augusta High School.  In 1967, he joined the United States Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam operating a tank in the armored division. Bill was awarded several medals of commendation while serving our country, including two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Vietnam Distinguished Service Award, infantry individual firearms, 11C40, Sharp Shooter with M-14, Expert Marksman with M-16, Marksman with a 45 pistol and others.   His family remembers when returning home, he didn't talk much about the service. Only to comment about the airplane he was returning on, blowing up before the airmen could unload anything, but what they had on them.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother Ollie Mae Sullivan, father Elmo Theodore Kirby and brother Harold Kirby.

Family left behind

Son: Billy Ray Kirby of Bradford

Sisters: Margarette Foster of Alexander, Carol Garth of Little Rock, and Jean Hitt of Des Arc

Brothers: Elmo Kirby, Jr and wife Gleece of Alexander and Jeff Kirby and wife Martha of Beebe.