Billy Kirk

Billy was born in Waco, Texas on April 19, 1930 to Cleburne H. Kirk Sr. and Hilda Alice Kirk. He grew up in Waco and went to school at South Waco Junior High and Waco High school. In 1948, he met Thelma Joyce Brackney, whom he married on October 1, 1948 and they recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. He worked a number of jobs before he settled in to a career in the 1960’s where he was successful for many years in the business of remodeling and paperhanging.

Many Waco businesses and residential customers knew him as “Kirco” (paint and paperhanging) which was the name of his business. He loved to cook and often prepared meals for friends and family including his much loved turkey and dressing. He also enjoyed playing cards and dominos with friends. He was raised in the Church of Christ by his devote parents and in recent years attended church at Columbus Avenue Church of Christ with his wife Joyce.

To those who were closest to him, he was known for his unique character and fun-loving spirit. He enjoyed tinkering with things, repairing them and bringing them back to life, especially animated toys. He spent much of his time on weekends at the Treasure City Flea Market in Waco where he bought and sold items. In recent years, he was known at the flea market as “scooter man” as he bought, sold, and repaired motorized chairs. He loved his flea market friends and rarely missed a weekend of searching for bargains and repurposing his finds.

He and Joyce also loved spending time at Lake Waco, gardening and working around the home, and attending family get-togethers. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Cleburne Kirk Sr. and Hilda Kirk of Waco; his brother Cleburne Kirk Jr. and his sister-in-law Audrey Kirk of China Springs; and brother-in-law Richard Blomquist of Waco.

He is survived by his wife Thelma (Joyce) Kirk and children; Connie Smith and husband Wayne of Lorena, Sandra Permenter and husband Bobby of Moody, Abbie Grillo and husband Carl of Waco, Russell Kirk and wife Teresa of Hallsburg, and a sister-in-law, Vera Blomquist of Waco.

He was also blessed with 30 grandchildren, as well as a host of great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who all knew him as “Daddyro.”

He had many close and wonderful friends who touched his life in special ways.