Ira Clifford Kirk, 80, passed away on December 29, 2020 after a month’s long battle with cancer.
He is predeceased by his father, Ira Frank Kirk; mother, Della Shumate Kirk; three sisters, Edna East, Lorene Harvey and Louise East; and granddaughter, Shauna Kirk. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Stevens; sons and their spouses, Jerry (Lisa), Cliff (Debbie) and Greg (Lisa); daughter, Nicole; and grandchildren, Elysia, Nathan, Olivia and Dylan; and younger brother, Roger.
Cliff, (as he was known), was born to Ira and Della on June 8, 1940 in Prosperity, West Virginia. After graduating from McComas High School, Cliff enlisted in the Navy where he served honorably for 4 years. After he was discharged Cliff moved to Washington D.C. where he met and fell in love with Barbara Jo Stevens, also originally from West Virginia. The two were married on August 25,1959 and remained husband and wife until Cliff’s death. After they were married,
Cliff was hired by the McArdles Printing Company in Maryland where he worked for over 30 years, starting out as a bookbinder, and working his way up to foreman. He retired from McArdles at the age of 64.
Cliff was a hardworking and selfless man whose primary objective in life was to provide a good home for his wife and children. To his end, he worked long hours throughout his career and his family never wanted for anything. He was also a generous man who did not hesitate to provide help when his friends or family were in need. Cliff was well-loved by his coworkers and respected by all who knew him.
During those rare occasions when Cliff was not at work, he enjoyed tinkering with cars, fishing, hiking in the woods, reading the Washington Post and books about the wild west and watching cartoons on TV, of which the Road Runner & Coyote were his favorite. His children loved to hear him laugh out loud at the crazy antics. He looked forward each year to the family’s summer vacations at the Outer Banks where his favorite activity was standing in the surf while holding a fishing pole and staring contentedly out over the water. In contrast to the beach, he found solace in his regular visits to friends and family in his beloved West Virginia mountains. He was also a man who found great pleasure in good, old fashioned, home cooked meals, snacking on peanuts, and putting hot sauce on everything. The hotter the better!
After spending most of their married lives in Falls Church, Virginia, Cliff and Barbara moved early in 2020 to a beautiful home in the beach town of Manteo, North Carolina. It was in their new home where Cliff passed away peacefully in his bed surrounded and comforted by members of his loving family. Cliff was a strong man with a good heart who will forever be missed.
Cremation arrangements were made by Gallop Funeral Services in Nags Head, NC. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Donations in Cliff’s name can be made to Albemarle Home Care & Hospice of Elizabeth City or The Cancer Society. Please express condolences to the family via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.