Billy Kirby

Billy R. Kirby, 77, of Carlisle, PA, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021. Born August 29, 1943 in Chambersburg, he was the son of the late Kelly W. and Stella J. (Morgan) Kirby.

Billy was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He served 23 plus years with honor in the United States Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, on October 31, 1983. Other medals received include: the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, four times, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with one Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the U.S. Army never left him, as his friends and family will attest. After his military career, he worked as a radar technician for the Federal Aviation Administration, retiring after 22 years of employment in 2006.

Billy was a member of the Porsche Club of America and the BMW Car Club of America. He was a car enthusiast, but especially loved Porsche and BMW cars. He was a member of the Carlisle Barricks Golf Course. Up until his passing, he played golf four times a week and enjoyed all sorts of outside activities.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Julie (Winkleman) Kirby; daughters, Tammy Kirby Rodriguez (Emilio) of Baltimore, MD and Carrie (Michael) Horton of Richmond, VA; 2 granddaughters, Lakyn Arthur of Colorado Springs, CO and Jessica Horton of Richmond, VA; 3 great-grandchildren, Bexley Arthur, Lindy Arthur and Orion Flora all of Colorado Springs, CO. Also surviving are siblings, Betty Dellinger of Gettysburg, Basil Kirby and Kelly Kirby Jr., both of Shippensburg, Ronald Kirby of Colorado Springs, CO and Gary Kirby of Newville. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Mickey Kirby and Larry Kirby.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family and burial with military honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Services Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Springs, KY 41076. (visit www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=779 for online donations.)