Richard Newlin Kirby Jr., Natchez

1952 - 2007

NATCHEZ — Services for Richard Newlin “Rick” Kirby Jr., 54, of Deatsville, Ala., formerly of Natchez, who died Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, at University of Alabama Birmingham Medical Center, will be 3 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with the Rev. Marc Mihail officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Mr. Kirby was born Dec. 25, 1952, in Natchez, the son of Richard Newlin “Dick” And Rebecca “Becky” S. Kirby. He was a 1970 graduate of Natchez High School and earned his degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University in 1975. He began his career with International Paper Company at the Natchez Mill in October 1975 and later transferred to Prattville, Ala. as maintenance supervisor. Mr. Kirby was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed all sports and loved coaching girls softball.

Survivors include his parents; Dick and Becky Kirby of Natchez; his wife, Barbara Paradise Kirby of Deatsville, Ala.; son, Samuel Rowe “Sam” Kirby of Deatsville; daughter, Sarah Rebecca Kirby of Flowood; brothers, Kent Kirby and wife, Dianne and Stan Kirby, all of Natchez.

Pallbearers will be Charles Wellborn, Robert Paradise, Bill Beasley, Dale Jamison, Jim Boies, Adrian Walker and Johnny Martin.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Stowers, Sonny Tarver and Bobby Hall.

Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.