Billy J. Kirk

Billy J. Kirk, formerly of Athens and lately of Malakoff, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025. Billy was born July 12, 1940 in Athens, TX to W.E. and Maggie Kirk, both of whom met him in Heaven along with his beloved wife, Mardrie “Marty” Kirk who passed in August of 2010. Billy grew up and attended schools in Athens and he had a front row seat to the many changes that came to his hometown. He worked for most of his life as a machinist in Ennis at an electrical motor manufacturing company and his ability to look at the complex designs to repair, refurbish and recreate was second to none. He and his wife, Marty, made a loving home together in Athens, Tool and Seven Points. Over the years, they shared not only a deep love for each other but also a shared love of fishing and cats. Billy especially loved their quiet and fulfilling life where he would spend time feeding birds along with reading books with his favorite genre being science fiction. Even though he was a quiet man by nature, his heart for other people and animals was always evident as he took every chance to help anyone, whether 2 legged or 4 legged, that had a need. As Billy’s health began to decline, he found a new calling as a helper in the retirement homes that he lived at. He personally donated hundreds of books to facility libraries as well as taking the lead in overseeing donations of books for other residents and their families. Billy singlehandedly volunteered to unpack, categorize and shelve every book that came in and even cultivated a “mobile library” taking books to and from the residents that had mobility challenges. He also made sure to distribute Bingo cards to the bed bound patients and helped with the Bingo games so that everyone felt included and shared a good time. Keeping people engaged with stories and events was a blessing to Billy and his reward was always seeing another’s smile when he walked in with a book, Bingo card or any another game and activity that made a difference in someone’s daily life. A man who truly lived to help anyone other than himself, Billy will be missed and his memory always cherished. He is survived by his step-daughters, Dana Marie Smith and Dorothy “Dotty” Berry as well as other extended family and several dear friends. Graveside service will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Seagoville, TX where Billy will be laid to rest next to his beloved Marty. Those who loved Billy know that they are together again, catching the biggest fish at that Heavenly pond! For those wishing and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Billy’s love for helping animals to Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake at https://hsccl.org/donate.

Tributes

Billy J. Kirk

July 12, 1940 - July 15, 2025