Norman Bruce Kirby

Norman Bruce Kirby passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 14, 1934 in Franklin, Kentucky. He was a man of great integrity, full of kindness and dedicated to his family. He was a devoted husband to Bonita and a loving father to Michele and Chip.

Bruce proudly served in the United States Army for 24 years achieving the rank of Sergeant Major. His military career took him and Bonita to various parts of the world including tours of duty in Germany, South Korea, 2 combat tours in South Vietnam as well as multiple service postings in the United States. SGM Kirby retired from active US Military Service while stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA. Following his distinguished military career, Bruce was a JROTC Instructor at Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Georgia for many years.

Bruce enjoyed golf, football, woodworking, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed traveling to the North Georgia Mountains.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bonita Cayce Kirby, his children and their spouses, Michele Kirby Wilson (Ron) and Norman (Chip) B. Kirby, Jr. (Jan), his grandchildren Anna Wilson, Taylor Kirby, and Trey Kirby and his brother, Lindsey Kirby (Norma) and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harry Moss Kirby and Isabel Byrum Kirby, his brothers, Donald Kirby, Ollie Kirby, Brent Kirby, Lewis Kirby and his sister, Susie Kirby Rhea.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 with a visitation at 10:00 am and a Memorial service at 11:00 am at Gamble Funeral Service Chapel located at 410 Stephenson Ave. Savannah, Georgia 31405. Followed by Internment with full Military honors at 2:00 pm at Beaufort National Cemetery located at 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital)