William R. Kirk 1935-2020

The oldest of three sons, he was born to Council Sr. and Viola Ervin Kirk, June 28, 1935, in Coy, Ala.

Robert accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Emanuel Baptist Church in Coy, where he attended until he relocated. After relocating to Youngstown, he joined The Cathedral of Hope Church, formerly known as The Church of Hope, under the leadership of his cousins, Pastor Robert Lockett and the Rev. Willa Ervin Lockett. He was a trustee, sang in the Mass choir, senior choir and male chorus, in addition to driving the church bus. He later joined Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Harrison, where he remained faithful until death, serving as a deacon and singing in the male chorus.

Robert graduated from Camden Academy High School in Camden, Ala., in 1956. He was very active in sports. He played basketball, football and ran track. He received a full scholarship to Knoxville College in Tennessee. After graduating from high school, he and his brother, Council Jr., spent the summer working in Kingston, N.Y. Robert later moved to Youngstown, where he was drafted and served in the Army and the National Guard.

Robert was united in marriage to Delores Smith and to this union three children were born, Pamela, Yolanda and Eric Robert.

Robert later united in marriage to Joyce Crenshaw and to this union two daughters were born, Tracey and Tanisha.

After 50-plus years of service, he retired from Ace Lumber Company, Youngstown.

Robert was a very giving, fun loving man to family and friends. Always attending family functions, including weddings, family reunions or just meeting up at a family member’s home to check on them, Robert always had a smile planted on his face and sometimes a mischievous look as if he was about to tell a joke.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Pamela Kirk Snowden, Yolanda Kirk and Eric Robert Kirk, all of Atlanta, Ga., and Tanisha Kirk of Youngstown; his brothers, Council Kirk Jr. of Columbus and John (Bernice ) Kirk of Cincinnati; his daughter-in-law, Michelle Kirk; his grandchildren, Bernard III, Tierra, Toyia, Kelvin, Kirk, Aniya, Tahlia, John III and Mason; special cousins, Minnie Erkard, Bonnie Little and Roosevelt Thompson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Council Sr. and Viola Kirk; his wife, Joyce C. Kirk; and his daughter, Tracey Driskell.

A homegoing celebration in honor of Robert will be held 10 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2020, at Union Baptist Church, Youngstown.

Ministry of comfort and transitional care entrusted to J.E. Washington Funeral Services Inc.

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