Norman Lee Kirby

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Norman Lee Kirby passed away peacefully at age 83 at Peak Resources in Graham, NC with his longtime companion and friend Chris by his side.

Norman was born on October 30, 1941 in Orange County, NC in the Bingham township (White Cross community). His father, John Kirby ran a country store and his mother Tessie Mae Kirby worked at a mill. He attended White Cross School until the 8th grade at which time he decided to leave school because he "had other things that he needed to do". He found various jobs to earn money but also found plenty of time to pull pranks on other members of the White Cross community along with the help of a few co-conspirators.

In 1959 at the age of 18, Norman enlisted in the US Navy and drove to San Diego where he was assigned to the USS Mountrail as a boat coxswain, piloting huge boats that unloaded troops onto the shore. He thoroughly enjoyed that duty, even turning down higher positions in the process. He was honorably discharged in 1962 after 3 years of service at which time he returned to the White Cross community.

Over the years he worked many jobs in the area: microfilm manager at Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, the newly built Shearon Harris nuclear plant in Wake County, car salesman, moving houses, truck driver, and also did some work as a plumber. However, his true enjoyment and talent was that of a butcher. He worked for various employers such as Cliff's Meat Market, King Bee, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion. He would eventually open his own shop, Norm's Deer Processing, in White Cross behind his dad's country store in or around 1994 and operated his business with much success until he eventually sold his operation 25 years later. He was amazing at his trade.

He worked with many terrific people and met many great friends throughout his life, many of whom would hang out with him at the deer shop catching up and trading stories. He eventually moved to Beaufort, NC to be closer to the coast which he loved so much.

Norman enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and shag dancing...enjoying life to the fullest no matter where he called home. His engaging and spirited personality along with his sense of humor will be greatly missed.

He was a member of Clover Garden UMC in White Cross as well as Lamb's Chapel Church in Haw River, NC.

Norman was preceded in death by his father John H. Kirby, mother Tessie Mae (Crawford) Kirby, and nephew Scotty Merritt.

He is survived by his longtime companion and friend Christine "Chris" Broach, son Shannon Kirby (and wife Lene), son Derek Kirby (and wife TJ), son Brandon Linthicum (and wife Heather), brother Raymond Kirby (and wife Gwen), sister Brenda Whitaker, grandchildren Chase Carnahan, Jordan Miller, Michael Wilson, Mason Kirby, Garrett Linthicum, and Holton Linthicum; and many other family and close friends that were all very important to him but are too numerous to name.

Norman's wishes were to be cremated and his ashes interred at Clover Garden UMC cemetery near his mother's grave. A service will be held at Clover Garden UMC on March 22, 2025 at 3 o'clock with a graveside service immediately following.