Harry Kirby

Harry Elmer Kirby of Ocala , FL, passed away on July 29, 2017. Mr. Kirby was born in Baltimore, MD to the Rev. Clarence E. and Anna (Edwards) Kirby on February 3, 1924. He studied at Baltimore Business College, the University of Maryland and, while in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), the University of Maine. After the war he continued his studies at the Baltimore College of Commerce for three years. He was predeceased by a stillborn daughter, Sue Ellen, and his younger brother John Eldridge ("Jack") Kirby. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Jean Warfield Kirby, and five children: H. David Kirby of Sarasota, FL; Carol Jean Compton of Grapevine, TX; Lisa Friend of Keller, TX; Jocelyn Kirby of Annapolis, MD; Barbara Thornburg of Port Charlotte, FL; six grandchildren and two great granddaughter. He loved sailing, bowling, computers, travel and genealogy. His ancestors came to America from England in the mid 1600s and fought in the Revolutionary War. He proudly served his country with the 26th Infantry Div ("Yankee Div.") in France, Luxembourg and Germany as part of Gen Patton's Third Army in WWII. His service included the Battle of the Bulge. His awards include the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign, European Theater Ribbon with three Battle Stars (Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes), the French Crois de Guerre and Knight of the Medal of Honor. He enjoyed giving talks about World War /I in the local schools and to other organizations and always encouraged patriotism. He made five trips back to Europe, with his wife after the war; visiting friends in Luxembourg, England and Northern Ireland. Each visit included Hamm Cemetery in Luxembourg where many men from his unit are buried, as is Gen. George Patton. He worked in the tire and rubber industry, with Firestone in Baltimore and then Sears, as mgr. of the Commercial Tire & Battery division. Eight Months later, he was transferred to Sears' Chicago Headquarters as Assistant National Sales Manager. He created a new National Accounts Department, and managed it for about eight years before being named National Marketing Manager, commercial tires and batteries, a position he held until he retired, He then accepted a position as VP, Sales and Marketing, TTS Corp. in Chelsea, MA before establishing his own consulting business in North Carolina. He was a member of a number of veterans' organizations including the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, VFW, Yankee Div. Assn., and former member of the American Legion. He served on civic boards in Western Springs, IL and Punta Gorda, FL. He was a lifelong Methodist.

Harry Kirby

February 3, 1924 - July 29, 2017