George William Kirby

George William Kirby, a beloved husband, father, coach, and community member, died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 19, 2026, surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Moore Kirby and sons Kyle, Kevin (Kathy), and Kregg. Born on February 19, 1934, in Hudson, NC to the late Charles Wakefield Kirby and Effie McDade Kirby, George, or “Buddy” as he was called by his family, was the youngest of seven and was preceded in death by his four sisters, Opal Kirby Price (James), Irene Kirby Huss (Kenneth), Rachel Kirby Bell (William), Geneva “Boots” Kirby Anderson (Jack), and his two brothers, Hunter Charles Kirby and Elbert Jack Kirby.

George was a proud alumnus of both Hudson High School (1952) and Western Carolina University (1957), where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in history and physical education and played basketball and baseball. Combining his degree with his love of sports, George started his career at Central High School in Statesville, NC, before returning home to his alma mater, Hudson High, where he taught history and coached football, baseball, and basketball for several years.

George met Eleanor Moore in 1960, and the two were married the following year. After serving two tours of duty in the United States Army, George left the education field to work for Citizens’ Savings and Loan Association in Lenoir, NC, and is remembered by many for helping them achieve the dream of home ownership. He retired in 1994 as President after more than thirty years of employment.

George lived a life primarily of service to his family and community of Hudson. As a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Hudson, George served many years as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, member of various committees, and most recently a greeter every Sunday prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. He was also a founding member of the Wade Dellinger Sunday School Class and the annual Christmas Day Lunch, held since 2008, for which he served as the delivery coordinator until recently.

While he left coaching professionally, George was a lifetime member and past president of the Hudson Optimist Club and served as a football coach for many years with the Rams in the organization’s football league. After his coaching career came to an end, George could always be found working in the concession stand at the ballfield preparing his signature hotdogs with a smile. A true son of Hudson, George served several terms on the Board of Directors of the Hudson Fire Department and was previously awarded Hudson’s Man of the Year.

In his free time, George traveled the world with his wife Eleanor, walked 9 holes of golf or 9 miles around Hudson with his buddies, and cheered on his beloved Duke Blue Devils as they played basketball.

In addition to his wife and sons, Papaw George is survived by his loving grandchildren: Kasey Kirby Swords (Nathan), Katlyn “Katy” Kirby, Kourtney Kirby Sandefur (Taylor), McKenzie “Kenzie” Kirby, Rachel Kirby, and Avery Kirby; and great-grandchildren: Kylah Corpening, Kirby Scout Swords, Hudson Swords, and Tate Sandefur. George will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, brother-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to extend their warmest thanks to all those who provided care to George throughout the last few years and continue to care for his wife, Eleanor.

A service to honor George’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Hudson, 345 Main Street, Hudson, NC with the family receiving friends after the service. Memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Hudson Christmas Day Lunch.