Larry M Kirk

Larry M. Kirk, 64, retired aerospace engineer and long-time resident of Decatur, Alabama, died Friday, May 25, 2012 in Decatur after a brief battle with cancer. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home in Decatur with Kenny Barksdale officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home. Born November 8, 1947 in Nashville, he was the son of the late Lucy and Oscar Kirk and a graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. He began his career with NASA at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and through the years accomplished various assignments around the world until his retirement from the aerospace industry in 2009. He also served with the Army National Guard for eight years.Mr. Kirk was a member of Beltline Church of Christ, Morgan County Mended Hearts, and served as a coaching assistant for local sports programs in the Decatur area. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, youth baseball games, and exploring new technology. His special sense of humor and laughter, along with his enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed by all. He dearly loved his family and friends and was extremely proud of his sons. He will be remembered as the best Father and friend anyone could have.Survivors include his devoted wife of 42 years, Columbia native Janice Hanes "Jan" Kirk of Decatur; sons, Michael Kirk of Decatur, Brian (Libby) Kirk of Priceville, Alabama, and Matthew Kirk of Port Orchard, Washington; beloved sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Annette Hanes and Ed Prince of Oxford, Georgia; and cousin, Caroline Pope of North Carolina.Pallbearers will be Michael Kirk, Brian Kirk, Matthew Kirk, Ed Prince, Stephen Prince, Steve Harris, Brian Tanner, and Jim Simpson.