House Resolution 1899
By: Representative Powell of the 33rd
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Dr. F. Hugh Kirby; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, we paused with grateful hearts to remember and honor the life and legacy of Dr.
F. Hugh Kirby, who was born on February 13, 1939, in Drayton, South Carolina, and
departed this earthly life on July 12, 2025, in Hartwell, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kirby faithfully served as a minister of the gospel for more than 66 years,
devoting his life to proclaiming God's truth, shepherding His people, and modeling the love
of Christ through humility, grace, and unwavering faith; and
WHEREAS, a devoted lifelong learner, who pursued knowledge with passion and purpose,
earning degrees from Furman university in Greenville, South Carolina; the Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; and Columbia Theological Seminary in
Atlanta, Georgia, he continually deepened his faith and understanding of God's word; and
WHEREAS, through his ministry, Dr. Kirby faithfully served many congregations, including
First Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina; Victory Memorial Baptist Church in
Louisville, Kentucky; Grace Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia; First Baptist Church in
Raleigh, North Carolina; Dunwoody Baptist Church in Dunwoody, Georgia; and Hartwell
First Methodist Church in Hartwell, Georgia, always preaching with passion, compassion,
and conviction; and
WHEREAS, he also served as senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in West Lafayette,
Indiana, and Hartwell Baptist Church in Hartwell, Georgia, where his leadership, vision, and
pastoral care left an indelible mark on the lives of his congregation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kirby was a thought-provoking and encouraging preacher, whose words
inspired reflection, growth, and hope; he was a teacher who fed both mind and soul with
truth, humor, and grace; and
WHEREAS, he was a wonderful educator, especially gifted in teaching children the love of
Christ, and was affectionately known as the "master of the children's sermon," delighting and
inspiring young hearts with his warmth, creativity, and care; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Dr. F. Hugh Kirby will long be
remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who
had the great fortune of knowing him.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Dr. F. Hugh Kirby and
express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Dr. F. Hugh Kirby.