Hugh Monroe Kirby

Mr. Hugh Monroe Kirby, 89, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Bedrock Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Live Oak, FL., following an extended illness. He was the son of the late Marshal Edgar and Edna Hammock Kirby and was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan A. Kirby, and a sister, Sarah Kirby. He was a lifelong resident of Columbia County and a lifetime and active member of Athens Baptist Church. He owned and operated Kirby Trucking for over forty years. He always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and before starting a hay business, he owned several businesses, the last of which was the Cash-N- Carry in Columbia City. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He became an FFA member in 1952 while in high school. He was then honored as a lifetime member in the nineties while his grandchildren were members of the FFA.

He is survived by his wife of forty years Sue Kirby, Lake City, FL; two sons Stan Palmer, Jacksonville, Fl., and Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer, Lake City, FL two daughters Pamela Hubert (Scott) Valdosta, GA; and Sonja McMullan (Michael) Valdosta, GA; one sister Relema Fall (Harvey) Lake City, FL. and fourteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren also survive.

A funeral service for Mr. Hugh Monroe Kirby will be conducted on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jason Hudson officiating. Interment will follow in Athens Baptist Church Cemetery in Lake City, FL. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. In Lieu of flowers family asks that donations be made to the missionary fund at Athens Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.