Clarence M. Kirby, of Wilmington, died Monday, Aug. 31, 2015, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was 68.
Born Sept. 22, 1946, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Vena R. Kirby, of Wilmington and the late William H. Kirby.
Mr. Kirby was the proprietor of Kirby’s Towing, Inc. since 1984 and spent countless hours fulfilling his customer’s needs. Prior to starting his business, Clarence was a journeyman tool and die maker. He was also a member of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of North Carolina.
He loved animals. He was passionate about Draft Horses and had kept several at his and Diann’s stable through the years. He was also instrumental in the Greyhound Rescue Association and had rescued a couple of Greyhounds himself.
In his leisure, Clarence enjoyed NASCAR, drag racing, draft horse and tractor pulls.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Diann M. Kirby; sons, William R. Kirby and Scott Kirby (Holly), all of Wilmington; granddaughter, Alex Kirby, of Wilmington; sisters, Twanda Blake (Gary), of Wilmington and LouWanna French (Scott), of Maryland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The Kirbys would also like to acknowledge Matt Sullivan and Kevin Kenny, who have kept the shop running smoothly in its time of need.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at Andrews Mortuary, Market St. Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Kirby’s name to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979; American Cancer Society, 2202 Wrightsville Ave., Suite 111, Wilmington, NC 28403; or New Hanover Humane Society, 2405 N. 23rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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