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Robert (Bob) Petty Kirk, age 92, of Conway, South Carolina graduated to his heavenly home on June 27, 2022, at his home surrounded by his daughters. Born April 23, 1930 in Paintsville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Chester A. and Beryl B. Kirk. Bob spent his younger years living in the coal mining towns of Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio. His parents often moved between mining camps leaving Bob and his older brother James to be raised by their grandmother Petty who lived in Paintsville. He often mentioned that although he attended several schools during his formative years, he considered it an adventure that led to many new friends. Many of those friends have passed away, however, he remained in close contact with two elementary school friends, June Rogers and Otis Shaver. In 1950, as the Korean war began, Bob was finishing his years at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Bob was sent to Korea where he fought three combat campaigns in what is now North Korea. His duties were artillery fire direction and observation. He considered being an Army Veteran a privilege and honor and he proudly wore his Korean veteran's hat. On July 5, 1952 Bob married the late Helen Jean Marsh. They were married for 65 years when she went to be with the Lord. They began their married life in South Point, Ohio where they raised three daughters. Bob served the Lord faithfully and obediently as a member of the First Baptist Church of South Point, serving as the music director, a Deacon and a member of various committees. At one time he graciously volunteered to help clean the church which was not received with the same enthusiasm by his daughters! However, his commitment to service was an example that his daughters share today. For the next 18 years, Bob worked as an Industrial Chemist for the Allied Chemical Company Corporation in South Point, Ohio, Toledo, Ohio and Baltimore, Maryland. In 1969, Allied Chemical transferred Bob to Maryland where he settled his family in the town of Glen Burnie. Shortly thereafter, he went to work for the Department of Defense and for the next 26 years, Bob worked for the Contracts Administration Services, serving various military instillations along the east coast, including the Presidential Fleet at Andrews Airforce Base, a suburb of Washington, DC. In 2000, Bob retired so that he and Helen could spend time with their daughter Terri as she raised a family and battled breast cancer. He continued his service to the Lord as a member of the Glen Burnie Baptist Church. His love for Southern Gospel music inspired him to form a gospel quartet with friends in the church. They often were asked to sing during Sunday morning worship and perform full concerts during the evening services. Their upbeat southern style Gospel music was something new for many of the church members, but soon it was the most requested from the congregation. Many local churches heard about the quartet which led to invitations to sing this southern style music to other congregations. It was not uncommon to hear the music of Squire Parsons, Bill and Gloria Gaither or other popular Gospel groups playing in Bob's home. In 2004, Bob and Helen moved into the community of Myrtle Trace in Conway, South Carolina. They continued to faithfully serve and worship the Lord as members of Grand Strand Baptist Church. Having fellowship with other Christians was an important part of their lives, and Grand Strand provided many opportunities. Since retiring Bob found more time to enjoy bowling and playing golf. He was an active member of several bowling leagues, including the Myrtle Trace league. Bob was bowling just three weeks before passing, which is a testament to his health, stamina, and his love for the sport at age 92. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was predeceased by his daughter Terri Lynn Minrath and his older brother James Arthur Kirk. Surviving family members include daughters Petti Jean Waggoner (Rick) of Odessa, Florida and Sherri Lee Fuoco (Bob) of Bluffton, South Carolina, 7 grandchildren and 11 "precious" great-grandchildren. A "Celebration of Life" service will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Grand Strand Baptist Church, 350 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29579. The service will begin at 11:00 followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Veterans Welcome Resource Center 421 Highway 57 South, Little River, South Carolina, 29566, Wounded Warriors Project or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

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Robert Petty Kirk

April 23, 1930 - June 27, 2022