JOHN EDWARD KIRK
Dec. 4, 1943-July 1, 2017
John Edward Kirk, beloved father, son, brother, nephew, dear friend and neighbor, entered eternal rest Saturday, July 1, 2017, in Goldsboro, N.C.
John Edward is survived by his daughter, Joi' Kirk; son, Andre' Kirk ("Michelle") of Charlotte, N.C.; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; brother, Richard A. Kirk ("Sandy") of Alpharetta, Ga.; sister, Cynthia Kirk Griffith ("Cecil Jr.") of Mitchellville, Md.; sister, Gloria Jean Kirk Monk ("Bobby") of Upper Marlboro, Md.; sister, Ethel Collette Kirk Hicks of Annapolis, Md.; aunt, Ernestine Ward Bostic of Goldsboro, N.C.; cousins, Janis F. Williams of New York, N.Y., and Edwina Bostic Wright of Bowie, Md., and his closest and childhood friend, Sheila Barnes Hamilton.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Bostic Kirk Bennett, and brother, William Frank Kirk Jr. ("Buster.")
John Edward attended Goldsboro public schools, and graduated 1961 valedictorian of his Dillard High School senior class, and was a strong supporter of the Greater Dillard Alumni Association.
John also attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, during the early 1960s years as one of the few black Americans admitted into the University, and subsequently graduated from North Carolina A&T State University.
John, an Army veteran, served two years active duty as a personnel specialist and four years in the North Carolina Army National Guard, and was honorably discharged, sergeant (E-5) rank.
A dedicated and committed educator, John was delighted during his career to serve as a teacher in Wayne County and principal of East Arcadia School of Riegelwood, N.C. John retired from Bladen County Board of Education.
Additionally, John was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and held many positions as a community leader in Elizabethtown and East Arcadia, N.C.
His wit and fun-loving family antics will always elicit joyful and loving memories. John was very cosmopolitan and unique in his style of living.
An avid reader and listener of classical influences, he always shared his experiences and exposures, unaware of how he exhibited encouragement and a desire to learn.
The funeral arrangements are private by request; however, the Kirk family is accepting all expressions of condolences via Haskins Funeral Home, 601 E. Ash S., Goldsboro, N.C., 919-736-5000, haskinsfuneralhome@gmail.com.
On behalf of the Kirk family, thank you to all who have acknowledged John Edward's life, the well wishes for peace and comfort and the expressions of condolences and fond remembrances.
God bless and keep you.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on July 9, 2017 1:46 AM