Michael Steven Kirby, 59, of Floyd, passed into the arms of Jesus on April 20, 2024, at his home. His children were by his side.
He was a graduate of Floyd County High School and Radford University, where he majored in classical guitar performance. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Kirby; his grandparents Earnest and Juanita Cregger Kirby of Roanoke and Emmitt and Mary Shupe Craghead of Roanoke; step grandmothers, Dorothy Farmer Kirby of Radford and Louise Wertz Craghead of Roanoke; aunt, Mary Anne Collins and a cousin, Mary McNeely.
He is survived by his children, Elijah Kirby, of Blacksburg and Caroline Kirby, of Blacksburg and Savannah, Ga; mother, Adelene Kirby, of Floyd; the mother of his children, Katy Mitchell, of Blacksburg; uncle, Rodney Kirby, Georgia; numerous cousins, and his dogs, Joey and Julie.
Mike’s first priority in life was his children. He took great joy in being with Eli and Caroline and succeeded in being the best dad anyone could ever have had. They were his reason for living. He was very protective of his mother and was a good son.
Mike was known as much for his kindness and ready smile as for his music. He was able to brighten even the gloomiest of situations and make everything that he did fun.
Mike got his first guitar at age 10, stood in front of a mirror playing it for hours and dreaming of becoming a rock star. He played throughout his life with bands such as Yams from Outer Space, Axis, Lather, Train Wreck, and Awesomesauce. He was a founding member of each of these bands. The “Yams” toured the east coast in a rickety old school bus that broke down more than it ran. Mike played with such notable musicians as Dave Matthews, Slash from Guns N’ Roses, and Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He and his band released three CD albums containing original songs that they wrote.
Mike was a fan of KISS and delighted in taking his kids to see them in 2020. He fulfilled a lifelong dream by seeing Paul McCarthy perform. He aspired to play guitar as well as Eddie Van Halen, and who is to say that he didn’t?
He was baptized at the age of 17 at Haven’s Chapel Methodist Church, Floyd. He played in a praise band in Atlanta, Ga., and led two praise bands in churches in the New River Valley. He had a lifelong and very private relationship with God.
Mike taught music in the New River Valley for 30 years. He loved to share his gift and love of music with others.
A Celebration of Life was held at Gardner Funeral Home on Thursday April 25, 2024, led by Scott Dickens of Richmond. The Celebration was followed by a graveside service in Jacksonville Cemetery, Floyd. The family received friends one hour prior to the Celebration of Life.
All former band mates of Mike’s were invited to serve as honorary pallbearers. The family wishes to thank the Floyd County Rescue Squad, Skyline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Good Samaritan Hospice, and Gardner Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com. The family is being served by Gardner Funeral Home.
