Preston Kirby

Preston Kirby was born May 16, 1944, in Dermott, Arkansas to Exibe Nimmer. Exibe later married Clarence Lewis eventually making Preston the eldest of nine children. Preston was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Exibe Lewis, brothers Charles Lewis, Tim Lewis, Clarence Lewis III, and sister Essie Lewis. Siblings Clarence Lewis Jr., and Jeannette Lewis died in infancy.

Preston attended Chicot County Elementary School and High School. After graduating high school in 1963, Preston and his sister Emma decided to relocate to Chicago, Illinois, as they were quite familiar with summers spent in the city with family and were excited to finally call Chicago home. As they settled in Chicago, Preston was drafted to the United States Army to fight in the Vietnam War where he served as a field wireman. Upon his return home, Preston met Earnestine Paige and a new chapter began. They were united in holy matrimony in December 1970 and began to establish their family as Preston became “Dad” to Vincent Mayes and Bryant Paige. Preston and Ernestine eventually welcomed Debra and Luther who were loved dearly. Debra preceded Preston in death.

Preston accepted Christ at an early age and attended First Baptist under the leadership of the late Rev. C.W. Miller. Later in life, Preston became a member of Jordan Temple MBC under the leadership of the late Rev. Willie F Jordan Sr. Preston served on the Deacon Board and drove the church van providing transportation services to church members.

Preston was employed at American Starter Drive for more than thirty years eventually being promoted to foreman. He was a dedicated worker and led his team with passion and great skill until his retirement in 2009. Although retired, Preston kept busy displaying his abilities as a “Jack of all Trades” - there was nothing that Preston could not fix, whether it be brakes, toilets, electrical sockets, and roofing, he could master them all. If you called on him, he would make time to assist you. Preston was loyal to his family and would go above and beyond to take care of his family.

Preston enjoyed cooking and he would master the grill during holiday gatherings with delicious and savory barbeque. After cooking, Preston enjoyed a competitive game of Dominos or Deuces, where he would entertainingly trash talk the entire time. You could always depend on Preston to attend a planned family outing making every moment memorable.

Preston made his transition to be with the Lord on Saturday March 9, 2024. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Earnestine Kirby, sons Vincent Mayes (Latrisha) and Bryant Paige (Tameka) of Chicago, Luther Kirby (Ebony) of Davenport, Iowa, sister Emma Lewis of Chicago, brother Darryl Lewis of Dermott, Arkansas, sisters-in-law Annie Baker, Shirley Guyton and Dorothy Locke, brother-in-law Joseph Love of Chicago and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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