Hugh L. Kirk Sr.

Died: June 7, 2009

MORRISTOWN -- Hugh L. Kirk Sr. died Sunday following an extended battle with renal cell carcinoma.

Mr. Kirk was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Morristown.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Mr. Kirk was a son of the late Pearl Josephine Reaves and Buford Manning Kirk of Greeneville and was the husband of Ruby Loretta Ashby, his wife of 59 years.

His family provided the following statement: "Hugh grew up in a large farming family that was, as most, impacted by the Great Depression, which led to a Sealtest Dairy distributor business, which led to a long career as an insurance agent in Greeneville and Morristown with Commonwealth Insurance.

"Two weeks following retirement, Ruby enrolled Hugh in a real estate course, after which he became a licensed real estate agent and Ruby's 'assistant.' They were quite a real estate team and tirelessly matched families and homes for over 12 years in Morristown.

"Ruby and Hugh's love affair began as freshmen at Greeneville High School and extended for over 64 years. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 16 of this year.

"Ruby and Hugh were a shining role model of love and marriage for their family and those who knew them. Hugh's greatest joy was being with his loving wife Ruby, seconded by his joy and love of family time, especially with his grandchildren.

"Each summer the grandchildren looked forward to the two-week 'Pa and Grandma camp' and uninterrupted doting of Pa and Grandma.

"Hugh's legacy to his family and those he loved and knew is one of gentle, kind-hearted, hardworking husband, parent, grandparent (a.k.a. Pa), uncle (surrogate father), friend and associate.

"Hugh's family and friends miss him deeply and know he is with God."

Survivors include his "loving" wife; a son and daughter-in-law: Hugh Lee Kirk Jr. and his wife, Kim Marie Cousineau Kirk, of Culpeper, Va.; two daughters: Sharon Elaine Kirk Taylor of Morristown and Suzanne Marie Kirk Taylor of Morristown; six "adoring" grandchildren: Gavin Andrew Kirk, Crystal Brooke Taylor Thompson and her husband, R.J., Emily Marie Kirk, Stephanie Paige Taylor, Zachary Hugh Lee Kirk, and Katie Marie Taylor, who were the "delight of 'Pa's' soul"; a brother and sister-in-law: Dr. Clyde Roy and Viola Kyker Kirk of Georgetown, Ky.; a sister-in-law: Irena Kelly Kirk of Greeneville; several nieces, including two special nieces: Elizabeth Ann Cobble Newton and Carolyn Rupert, both of Greeneville; and several nephews, including a special nephew: B.J. Cobble of Greeneville.

He was preceded in death by five siblings: Carroll Kirk, Thelma Cobble, Helen Rupert, Andy Kirk, and Frank Kirk.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Mayes Family Services, 444 W. Main St., Morristown.

The Christian funeral service will follow visitation at 7 o'clock in the funeral home chapel. Darris K. Doyal, minister, will officiate.

A committal service will be held at 11 o'clock Friday morning in Hamblen Memory Gardens in Russellville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), to The Culpeper Regional Hospital Cancer Center, c/o CRHS Foundation (www.Culpeperhospital.com) or to the charity of the donor's choice.

A guestbook is available online at Mayesfamilyservices.com