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Randy Kirby posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Eulogy from the Funeral Service
A country boy at heart, Byron (known to most of us as “Bud”) was born during the great depression and raised by parents who knew the importance of family, hard work and self sufficiency. Byron lived his life using the valuable lessons he learned on the farm in Woodland as a blueprint for his life. He was a hard worker and the quintessential do-it-yourselfer who would never think of paying someone else to paint his house, mow his lawn or repair his cars. This was his responsibility and he was proud to be able to do these things for his family right up until the time when his health made it impossible for him to do so.
He grew up in a time when people depended on one another. A time when neighbors and family visited on Sunday afternoons, sat on the front porch and chatted about life. Those good times became a part of who Byron was and what he believed in. As a teen, when he wasn’t helping his parents on the farm, he could usually be found racing up and down the dirt roads of Randolph county - often in his daddy’s flat bed truck. One story of his teen mischief that he only told in his later years was about the time that he and Hobart Rampy, while flying down a dirt road in Wedowee in his Daddy’s truck on their way to visit his sweetheart Sara Benefield, topped a hill and ran smack into a cow crossing the road. Sara still remembers cleaning the cow manure off of both of them and the inside of the truck. It might have been funny except for the trouble they knew they were in and the fate of the poor cow. Only Sara could have tamed this mischievous country boy into the responsible, family man that he would become. Through 63 years of marriage they were best friends who loved and cared for each other. That strong love was plain to see in his last few weeks when she rarely left his side. He was blessed to have her as a wife and friend all those years and he knew it.
A big part of Byron’s life was his two children - one fairly well-behaved child, Randy and a whirlwind named Cheryl - who was probably responsible for Byron’s snow white hair. He was determined to make sure that they both grew up to be good, responsible adults - even if it killed them.
He was fortunate enough to be able to retire at 55 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and thoroughly enjoyed his 28 years in retirement fishing, gardening and traveling in his motorhome. He also enjoyed watching his two grandchildren grow up. When they were small, it was common to see him on his lawn tractor with a trailer load of grandkids in tow riding around the back yard. The whole time the kids would be laughing and yelling “One more time Paw Paw! One more time!”. The only way he was able to end the fun was to tell them that the tractor was out of gas. He was always interested in their education and encouraged them to study hard so that they could become anything they wanted. His neighbors knew Byron as the friendly guy next door, who greeted them with a wave and a smile, and was always happy to lend a helping hand.
Byron was a true Southern Gentleman, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and Paw Paw and he left a little piece of himself with each of us. He will be missed.
J
Joan Johnston lit a candle
Saturday, November 16, 2019
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Please accept my sincere sympathy for all of you. I know that Bud will be sorely missed. I am so sorry that I am unable to be there today. I am currently suffering with bursitis in my hip and it is very painful. I have never seen him with a beard. I enjoyed seeing all the pictures that you posted. Brought back sweet memories of Uncle Henry and Aunt Leona. I always loved them and loved to visit them. Praying for you all.
Love you, Joan
J
Jennifer Kirby lit a candle
Saturday, November 16, 2019
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I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of my Uncle Bud. I'll miss him a lot. I'll always remember the kindness he and Aunt Sara showed me when I visited them a couple of years ago. I wish I didn't live so far away from all of my Kirby family. You will be missed.
C
Cheryl Kirby uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 16, 2019
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Even though my heart is broken, I am comforted to know you are suffering no more and flying high with the angels. Rest high on that mountain. I love you, daddy!
Ann Vickers uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 15, 2019
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Rest in peace, Bud. Thank you for being a great father in law to me for more than 20 years. I couldn't have asked for a better one. I will always remember your trips to Boston and our trip to Europe. You were very generous and respectful. You and Sara raised a great son. I will always remember you and I shared the ability to speak candidly, with honesty, yet respectfully. You will be missed.
Sherry Ellis lit a candle
Friday, November 15, 2019
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I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
C
The family of Byron R. Kirby uploaded a photo
Friday, November 15, 2019
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Mark & Tammie Duffie lit a candle
Friday, November 15, 2019
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Andrea Burnham lit a candle
Friday, November 15, 2019
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So sorry for your loss of your Dad Cherly Prayers for you and your family... God Bless and much love too you all ..
J
Johnny Thompson posted a condolence
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Sara, please accept my very sincere condolences. Growing up next door to the Kirbys was a special treat. Bud seemed to always have a smile and loving life. That is how I will always remember him. Carolyn and I love you and will be praying for you and all of the other family.
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Families in the East Central Alabama and West Georgia areas have been entrusting Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee to care for their loved ones since 1972.
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17624 HWY 431
Wedowee, Alabama 36278
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