Ralph Elvin Kirk Sr.

Ralph Elvin Kirk, Sr., 80, of Salem and formerly of Catawba and Marion, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. He was a proud veteran having served two terms in the Armys 11th Airborne Division. Professionally, he owned his own business, Kirks Auto Body, for 30 years. His church memberships were held at Shiloh Methodist Church in Catawba as well as at Locust Grove United Methodist Church in Salem where he was also a trustee. Ralphs hobbies included hunting, fishing, farming, feeding birds, and NASCAR. His surviving family includes his wife of 59 years, Janet Ennis Kirk; children, Ralph Kirk, Jr. and wife, Shirl, Janet Lee and husband, Ed, and Diana McCloud; brothers, James Kirk and Ray Loman; sisters, Pauline Pickle, Opal Stamper, Charlotte Childress, Helen Barnes, and Carol Caldwell; grandchildren, Seth Kirk, Kari Keene, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Jessica Buchanan, Mormon Witt, Jr., Mark Witt, Dennis Witt, Karen Campbell, and Jessica Lynch; and great-grandchildren, Megan Davis, Tiffani Greene, Alan Joynes, Caleb Landsdown, Gabrielle Hicks, Grace Buchanan, and Kiley Whittaker. The family sincerely thanks Home Healthcare and Southern Hospice for their wonderful care. A period of visitation in Salem will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service in Salem will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Locust Grove United Methodist Church with Pastor Ben Lockhart officiating. A period of visitation in Marion will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seaver Brown Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11 a.m. at West Cemetery in South Fork with Rev. Kenny Price officiating. Military funeral honors will be provided by Marion VFW Post #4667. The Kirk family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441, and by Seaver Brown Funeral Home in Marion, 276-783-7107.