Jeffrey L. Kirby died peacefully on Feb. 1, 2026, finally free from the constraints of a life lived with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born on July 4, 1950, in Petersburg and was raised in a large, blended family and a Christian faith community that shaped his belief in God, his sense of responsibility, and his concern for others. Though he was not the oldest sibling, he was often a steady presence and protector.
Mr. Kirby developed an early love for hunting, fishing, and working with his hands. That instinct first found expression in woodworking as a hobby and later, after many years as a district safety manager for Ryder Truck Rental, in a leap of faith into small home repair and minor construction – a business he built and managed until retirement.
He was a proud father. He inspired his daughters to work hard and to believe that success is not determined by where one starts. He taught them that when a person gets knocked down, one gets back up again. Along the way, he also taught them how to throw a ball, how to shoot, and how to appreciate the outdoors-lessons delivered plainly, remembered permanently.
Unabashedly strong-willed, he worked hard to create a full life for himself despite facing obstacles in his early years. Perhaps because of those experiences, he carried a deep compassion for helping others, especially those who most needed a helping hand.
Music was another constant in his life. He loved playing his guitars and singing, and could almost always be convinced to do both – sometimes at home, sometimes out with friends, often at a local karaoke spot. He loved the outdoors, music, and people, and felt most at peace where those things came together.
He is survived by his two daughters, Annette Kirby and Jennifer K. Fincher (stepsons, Drew and Scott), both of Fayetteville; and six siblings, Margaret Stinard of Ohio, Beverly Kile (Ricky), Larry Colaw (Vickie), Sara Lawson (John), and Mark Colaw (Julie), all of West Virginia, and Laura Menas (Rodney) of Maryland.
The family will gather for a private memorial in the mountains he called home.
He rests now with an amazing view of the mountains he loved, where music and memory linger.
