Joseph Cecil Kirksey

Joseph (Joe) Cecil Kirksey Sr. passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 14th, 2018, at the age of 74. Joe was born on February 23, 1944, to Cecil and Frances (Crain) Kirksey, in Waldenburg, Arkansas. He was the 4th of 6 children. He graduated from Valley View High School where he played basketball, then attended Arkansas State University. On June 12th, 1970, Joe married Carolyn Wilson. They were blessed with three children. After working at Clark Oil for 22 years, he worked at Chrysler for 11 years as an electrician until his retirement on June 30th, 2007. His hobbies included: coaching little league; grilling and smoking meat; singing Gospel Music; fishing, camping; watching the Cardinals; and home remodeling. He also loved children; especially babies. Joe was a member and faithful servant of Eureka Bible Church. When he was 13 years old, he attended Revival Meetings at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Jonesboro, AR, and he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He also enjoyed a number of classes at Brookes Bible Institute, St. Louis, which he took so that he might gain a better understanding of the Bible. He was known as Paw-Paw by his 7 grandchildren, whom he adored more than life itself. He was a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, role model and a friend to many. Paw-Paw loved Jesus, his family, and his church, where he loved to sing hymns and share the Word with the Sunday morning scripture reading. Joe had the ability to see the good in everyone, even when they could not see good in themselves. He was always there to encourage people in life, instead of judging them on their decisions. In his mind, there was no such thing as second chances; it was more like third or fourth or however many one needed to get back up on their feet. He and his wife were always opening their home with the hope that they could “help” someone; many took comfort during rough times knowing they always had somewhere to go for a great meal or a place to stay. Joe is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn, and their children, Julie and Thomas Wittrock, Fenton, MO; Joe and Cassie Kirksey, Fenton, MO; and Jeremy and Nikki Kirksey, Affton, MO; and by his grandchildren, Zachary Kitchen, Noah Kirksey, Caleb Kirksey, Caylin Kirksey, Owen Kirksey, Finn Kirksey, and Jaxon Kirksey. He is also survived by two sisters, Betty and Jerry Gibson, Paragould, AR; and Janet Boyd, Jonesboro, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Frances Kirksey, his brother Charles Kirksey, and his sisters Bertha Mae Newlin and Emma Lee Smith. The family would like to thank BJC Hospice Care and the members of Eureka Bible Church. Donations in Joe's memory can be made to: Brookes Bible College 10257 St. Charles Rock Rd St. Ann, MO 63074

Joseph Cecil Kirksey

February 23, 1944 - June 14, 2018