Kirby Boice Brown
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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.