Billy Kirby

Obituaries

Tuesday, 14 December 2021 10:15

Billy Jack Kirby, 86 of Scottsboro passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 surrounded in love by his family. A celebration of life was held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at First United Methodist Church.
Born on Friday, November 15, 1935, Jack worked his entire life to make a better life for others and for himself. His heart was kind, and he was thoughtful in a way not many people are.
Jack attended Scottsboro and graduated from Scottsboro High in 1955 before enlisting in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany where he was a tank driver and member of the pistol sharpshooting team. After serving, he attended Auburn University, graduating in 1961. He was a diehard Tigers fan, and if he was wearing a hat, odds are it was for Auburn. He lived for a short time in Savannah, but he returned to Scottsboro where he lived out the rest of his life.
Jack met Phyllis Courtney, and after a brief courtship they married, beginning a new adventure.
One of his favorite pastimes was bass fishing. He loved the water, and in his younger days all the way into his 70s, he could be found skiing down the river, riding a wave runner for fun.
He spent many a winter day quail hunting. Jack’s tender heart and love of animals wouldn’t allow him to hunt bigger game. Stray dogs often found their way to his yard as they seemed to be drawn to his calm and kind demeanor, and few ever left.
Jack could be mistaken for someone more serious, but he loved to share jokes and coffee with his friends. He was a godly man and had a servant’s heart. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Scottsboro and served in many leadership roles over the years. He was also a member of the Lions Club for over 52 years and wore the gold vest with pride.
Jack owned and operated Kirby Insurance Agency, helping thousands of people over the years. A man of integrity, he would never sell someone a policy they didn’t need.
Billy Jack, Jack, B.J. or Satch lived a life as one should. He passed along his work ethic and integrity to his children and loved Phyllis more with each passing day, doing all he could to ensure she knew it. He had the respect of those who knew him, and to him that was priceless.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Scottsboro and/or the Scottsboro Lions Club.B