McMitchen Dean Kirby

McMitchen “Dean” Kirby, age 88, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away on July 28, 2025.

Dean was born in Sparta, Tennessee, to the late William Floyd and Vallie Judd Kirby. A hardworking man with a passion for cars, he was the proud owner and operator of Kirby Texaco for many years. What began as a job quickly became a lifelong hobby—he could often be found under the hood of a car, especially his beloved Thunderbird.

Dean was a member of Forest Hills Baptist Church, a founding member of the Liars Club (a group of retired men who met for coffee), a faithful member of Darrell Waltrip’s Bible Study, and was able to be part of Puckett’s Breakfast with the brothers.

In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judi Rust Kirby; his brother, William “Bill” Kirby; his sisters, Joyce and Royce; and his daughter in law, Julie Kirby.

Those left to cherish Dean’s memory are his sons, Mitch Kirby and Darrin Kirby (Tina); daughters, Debby Perry (Andy), and Karen Goss (Ron); grandchildren, Alex Perry, Clint Perry, Trey Kirby, Ali Goss Cunningham, Kendall Kirby Reasoner, Beau Goss, Annabelle Kirby, Lila Cate Kirby, and Millie Kirby; great-grandchildren, Ashton Perry, Maddie Perry, and baby Cunningham coming in the fall.

Dean will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his love for classic cars, and the kindness he showed to everyone who crossed his path.

The Funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home with Jim Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends three hours prior to the service. Burial will follow in Williamson Memorial Gardens with Alex Perry, Trey Kirby, Beau Goss, Ron Goss, Ashton Perry and Steve Henry serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Page Robbins Adult Day Center, where people with memory loss can find joy in community and caregivers find support and resources.

The care of McMitchen “Dean” Kirby and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Williamson Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services.