Homer Kirby, Jr.

Homer Kirby Jr., affectionately known to many as "Big O" and "Sonny Boy," was born the eldest child to the parentage of Earnestine Kirby and the late Homer Kirby Sr. in Brutonville, AL. Homer received his early education from the Brutonville Elementary School and graduated from Calhoun County Training School in Hobson City, AL. He went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army in May 1970. Homer accepted Christ at a young age through the leadership of his mother. After returning home, Homer began his work in the church and became a faithful steward at the Mt. Ararat CME Church, where he served diligently until his expiry. Homer married the late Ruby Kirby, who proceeded him in death in 2011. To this union, he became a father to many beloved children. Homer later rekindled his love with his high school sweetheart, Claudie Mae Hickonbottom. With this union, the two became a blended family of more loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Homer was known as "paw paw" to his host of grandchildren and was a light to his great nieces and nephews bringing candy, money, cookies, and goodies every Sunday for the children. Homer retired from SUPERVALU after years of dedication, where his coworkers shared public sentiments of him being a "good man". Homer was a proud Auburn fan and a Working Mason of the Pot of Manna Lodge #478 Anniston, AL. Surrounded by his loving family, Homer transitioned to eternal rest in the comfort of his home on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. He was preceded in death by Homer Kirby, Sr., Ruby Kirby, and George Phillips. Homer was a proud father to Mario Kirby, Victoria Kirby, Phyllis Elston, Janice Marie (Henry) McMath, Virgil Taylor, Sandra (Thomas) Chestnut, Frankie (Zina) Elston, Ronald David (Chic) Taylor, Jr., DeRamus Taylor, Sherri Stephens, and Tequila Hickonbottom. Homer also leaves behind a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward. Homer's memory will be cherished by his devoted siblings: Dan (Annie) Kirby, Phyllis McWilliams, Howard Kirby, and a host of brothers and sisters-in-law. Homer shared an unwavering bond with his granddaughters, Fredricka (Billy) Brown and Telida Elston, and great granddaughter Nadia Hutchinson. An unbreakable bond was also shared with a special niece and caretaker Quatise (Demetrius) Garrett, and a special bond with nephew and caretaker Kendrá Kirby. To know Homer was to love him. His spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his family and faith will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Homer will be remembered by his community and surrounding areas for his bold voice, strong opinions, heartfelt prayers, amazing grilling skills, conversations with neighbors on his CB radio, and his charitable heart to all he encountered. In his words, "Father, I stretch my hand to Thee, no other help I know; If Thou withdraw thyself from me, Ah! whither shall I go? Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer...Lord when we close our eyes, let us find ourselves somewhere around thy throne, our dying souls to save fitting for the sky". Amen.

Tributes

Homer Kirby, Jr.

February 12, 1947 - July 26, 2025