Kirby Boice Brown
November 19, 1941 ~ August 28, 2020
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DORTCHES - Kirby Boice Brown, age 78, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020. Born in Nash County on November 19, 1941, he was the son of the late Robert Spencer Brown and Sallie Baker Brown.
Kirby was a member of the Red Oak High School Class of 1960. He went on to attend Campbell College in Buies Creek, North Carolina, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Kirby taught math for over 20 years in schools across North Carolina, including Fairmont High School in Fairmont, Morehead High School in Eden, Edwards Junior High School in Rocky Mount, and Greenfield School in Wilson. Following his father's retirement, a portion of Kirby's career was devoted to maintaining the family farm in Dortches. His work in agriculture continued in recent years as he worked with his son, Andrew, to form K & A Livestock, a business focused on raising cattle and producing hay. Kirby also worked for a period for the Education and Outreach Division of the NC Forestry Service as keeper of Smokey Bear.
Kirby was deeply devoted to serving his church and community. He was a life-long member of the Dortches Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, moderator, and choir member. He was a member of the Dortches Ruritan Club and served as president for over ten years. For over 42 years, Kirby served the Town of Dortches in various roles. He was first elected town commissioner in 1978 and served in that capacity until he was elected mayor in 2002. His service to his community also extended to membership in the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as the secretary for many years. He was also a member of the Red Oak High School Alumni Banquet Planning Committee and the Twin Creeks Hunting Club.
Kirby's greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sara Oliver Brown; his sons, Alan Spencer Brown, and partner BH, of Durham; Andrew Oliver Brown, and wife Melanie, and grandchildren, Madison Nicole Brown and Spencer Oliver Brown, all of Dortches; his sister, Sally Faye Fryar, and husband Bobby, of McLeansville; and many other special brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
An Outdoor Service to Celebrate Kirby's Life will be held on the lawn at Dortches Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 6:00 PM with Rev. Stan Brown and Dr. Chet Rains officiating. The family requests that attendees dress casually, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
Dortches Baptist Church
4776 Dortches Blvd.
Rocky mount, NC 27804
Wednesday 9/2, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
An Outdoor Service to Celebrate Kirby's Life will be held on the lawn at Dortches Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 6:00 PM with Rev. Stan Brown and Dr. Chet Rains officiating. The family requests that attendees dress casually, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and practice social distancing.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Sarah and family. The Crook family sends its most sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Kirby. He was kind, loyal and dedicated to the children he taught. His passion for teaching math was unparalleled! Kirby will be missed by all who knew him and we are sorry. Leni Crook and family
We are so very sorry to hear the sad news. We will miss watching him put in his crops every year and stopping to chat with us. He was a great neighbor and wonderful man. Our sympathies to the family.
In memory of Kirby Boice Brown, Lori lit a candle
Always remembered here on earth and forever cherished in heaven, from the Proctor Bilotta family
Mr Kirby was a dear family friend. He lived his faith. He always made me feel so welcome. My brother truly loved Kirby. He told me that Kirby picked him up when he was walking on more than one occasion. Kirby came to my fathers funeral. He truly allowed God to work through him. He welcomed my husband into the community. He touched many lives and hearts as a vessel from God. He will truly be missed. Terri
So sorry for your loss. Kirby was so special to my late husband and I. Kirby and Buddy (Mr. Parker) met at Greenfield School. Buddy loved talking to him. Buddy took him to a Redskins game which was a new experience for Kirby. They both enjoyed it. Kirby shared that southern sausage and ham from the red and white in Dorches with us and we loved it of course. Kirby loved Dorches and shared his Mayor stories. He also would take Eric and Buddy out to lunch after they retired. He will be missed by all. A great man.
My heartfelt condolences are for the Brown family during such a difficult time. I knew Mr. Brown from Greenfield School 15+ years ago, and everyone knew he was my favorite teacher. Ironically, I was horrible at math and still am, but I wanted to be around his good and kind spirit even if class was difficult. He would tease and say even a broken clock is right twice a day, and that is something I still say today. You will be sorely missed Mr. Brown – and I can sometimes still solve for x. Love, Ali
I’m so sorry!! Kirby was one of the best parts of Greenfield School!! I know his family loved him to infinity and the town of Dorches was blessed!!
He will be missed at Oak Level Cafe. It was a pleasure serving the him.
To the Brown Family NC Cooperative Extension, Nash County Center was very sadden to hear of Mr. Kirby’s passing. Mr. Kirby has served on our Extension Advisory Board for many years and has also been an active and faithful volunteer at our annual 4-H Ag Heritage Days held for 4th grade students. He will be greatly missed. We would like to send our warmest condolences to you all of his family. Best Regards, Nash County Extension Office
so sorry our prayers are with you all
So sorry to hear of Mr. Brown passing. I pray the almighty father gives you peace and comfort in these times.
I remember Kirby as a really nice guy who was good for the camaraderie of our basketball team at Red Oak. He was also the very epitome of a solid citizen, making contributions in many areas. There are too few like him. He will be missed by a lot of people.
In memory of Kirby Boice Brown, Wesley boone lit a candle
I was deeply saddened to learn of Kirby’s death. He was an amazing next door neighbor at work at Greenfield School. Kirby was not only a good teacher, but he always offered the deepest, most genuine care and support to his students and colleagues. I am keeping his family and dear friends close in my heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of grief.
Thoughts and prayers of comfort are with you and the family Sara- Love, Ann Mitchell
In memory of Kirby Boice Brown, Tommy Flow lit a candle
Deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Mr. Kirby. He lived his life as a servant of God and his love for and dedication to the town and people of Dortches will always be remembered. With love Lisa Smith and Gene Benson
We are thinking of you and your family, and sending caring thoughts your way to support you through this. Patti Spillane & Rob Alexander
Kirby has fought a good fight; he has finished his course; he has kept THE FAITH. Well done thou good and faithful servant .
I have been blessed knowing Kirby. I have so many memories of his kindness and generosity. He will be missed every day.
Alan, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know your Navigator family is here for you!!
Alan, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know your Navigator family is here for you!!
Alan, it saddens me to hear of the passing of your father. While I didn’t know him, I know the son he raised and see the impact he had on you. He sounds like an amazing role model for goodness and kindness, and I know his loss is deeply felt. Wishing you and your family peace in your time of grief.
Thinking of you and your family and sending many loving thoughts your way. I wish you comfort in the memories you hold of your father.
Alan, I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. I know how much your father meant to you and I recall you sharing many stories of how he impacted your life growing up and continued to do so into adulthood. He sounds like he was a wonderful man devoted to his community and loved by many. I’m sure his love ran deep for your family. I hope you can find comfort in those memories in the days and years ahead. I’m sending so much love and light to you and your family.
To Sara, Adam, Andrew and family, I offer my sincerest sympathy. May God bless your minds with sweet memories of your husband, father and grandfather and heal the pain of loss in your hearts. Kirby was a special man and will be greatly missed. Love you all.
So saddened to hear of Kirby’s passing. Such a kind gentle soul. My prayers for his family
Alan I am so sorry for you loss. I know that this is difficult. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss Andrew, Mr. Kirby was such an honest true sole! He will forever he missed. My condolences and love are with you!
Alan, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. I hope you and your family find comfort in the memories of love and happiness you all have shared.
Mr. Brown taught me Geometry in Fairmont. I recall he lived with our Family for a short while and always treated me as a Brother. I am pleased to exercise those fond memories. My thoughts go to the Family. He was a Gentleman and a gentle man with a unique kind of presence that is inspiring.
My sincerest apology to ALAN for addressing my condolences to Sara, Adam and Andrew… Love you!
I am so surprised and sorry to hear this. Kirby Brown is why math was do-able for me in high school. Love and prayers for Sara and family.
Sara, I was shocked and sorry to hear that Mr. Brown had passed away. I really enjoyed his math class at Fairmont High School in 1966-1967. He was my favorite teacher that year. Thoughts of hIm and memories of growing up in Fairmont bring a smile to my face. Praying for your peace and comfort. Kathy Stephens Leggette
Alan – You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and love to you all. Molly