Arthur Samuel Kirbie, 94 of May, Texas passed away peacefully Thursday, May 1, 2025, in May, Texas. A Graveside Service will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at Greenleaf Cemetery at 2PM.
Arthur Samuel Kirbie, lovingly known as “Sam,” was born on December 5, 1930, to Sam Barham Kirbie and Ada Blanche Brown in a small house just outside of Wilson, Texas.
Sam graduated as Valedictorian of Wilson High School’s Class of 1948. During his junior year, he began working in the oil fields of Sundown, TX. After graduation, he moved to Odessa to live with his aunt and uncle, working in the press room at the Odessa American newspaper. However, homesickness led him back to Wilson, where his heart had always been.
Sam married his high school sweetheart, Billie, on November 21, 1948. Early in their marriage, he worked at the cotton gin in Wilson before beginning a decade-long career with El Paso Natural Gas. During his time there, he worked at several locations, including helping to build a plant in Annith, Utah, and later transferring to New Mexico.
After leaving El Paso Natural Gas, Sam, Billie, and their three daughters moved to Pleasant Hill, where Sam pursued farming. In 1963, he was ordained as a Deacon of their church—a role he served with humility and faith. In 1965, the family moved back to Wilson to the Crosby Place, and in 1973, they bought their forever home in Wilson.
Sam farmed the Cummings Place and the Home Place as a cotton farmer, eventually focusing solely on the Home Place until his retirement on December 31, 1996. He and Billie were active members of First Baptist Church in Wilson, where they served faithfully as Sunday School teachers and G.A. helpers.
After retirement, Sam and Billie spent more time at the lake, purchasing a place in 1989. In 2001, they moved to the Harbor Point Community in Brownwood, TX, where they enjoyed fishing, relaxing, watching the deer in their yard, and, most importantly, spending time with family.
Sam and Billie shared a remarkable 76 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised three daughters: Kathie, Brenda, and Paula; and welcomed three sons-in-law: Allen, Tom, and Walter. Sam was a proud grandfather to five granddaughters—Tayna (Troy), Diana (John), Holly, Misty (Tony), and Jody—and a great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind three nephews, three nieces, and countless cherished memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; four brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; two nephews; one son-in-law; and his beloved in-laws.
Sam’s life was defined by faith, hard work, devotion to family, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice at 2400 Crockett Dr. St. 300, Brownwood TX.,76801 (325)643-5718.
Services entrusted to Brownwood Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at brownwoodfuneralhome.net
