Bruce Edward Kirby
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7
Bruce Edward Kirby, 73, of Ridgeland, MS, passed away March 17, 2025, surrounded by loving family following a courageous battle against Cancer.
He was born in Houston, Texas to I.M. Kirby, Jr. and Jessie Faye Gauldin (Kirby) Johnson; grew up in Arkansas, migrated to Louisiana, but claimed Mississippi as his home since 1977. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Peggy Bullock, and brother Bert Wayne Kirby.
Survivors are his wife, Sarah Blackmon Kirby, son Russell Kirby (Natalie) and grandson Ashton; daughter Renee Dykes (Carl) and granddaughter Gina Strait; brothers Thomas (Debby) and Monroe; and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-and sisters-in-law; and a host of extended family: community neighbors and Brothers in Blue.
A career Law Enforcement professional, his lifelong dedication began in Louisiana, where he served in the Army National Guard before earning positions with Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department and Orleans Levee Board. Mississippi benefitted from his expertise in marksmanship, narcotics investigation, Firearms instruction, Highway Drug Interdiction (ICE), K-9 handling, and other capacities. He dedicated his focus on the motto To SERVE AND PROTECT at jurisdictions including City of Ridgeland, Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, City of Brandon, City of Hazlehurst, Copiah Sheriff’s Dept. (Special Agent: Southwest Narcotics Unit), State of Mississippi (Special Agent: Department of Human Services), City of Madison Code Enforcement, MS Baptist Medical Center and Town of Flora.
He also spent two years as an Iraqi Police Advisor with DynCorp International, training officers in Drug Interdiction, Criminal investigations, Counter Terrorism, civil Interview techniques, and as a consultant for International Airport Security. Following “retirement”, he continued to wear a uniform and badge working part-time security at the Museum of Natural Science as an officer with Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Kirby was a Mason and a Shriner and a long-time member of Trace Ridge Baptist Church, Ridgeland.
A Celebration of Life will be observed Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Highland Colony Baptist Church: 1200 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland. Visitation begins at 11:30 a.m., with service following at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your preferred charity, or to Shriner’s Children’s Shreveport (MAIL TO: SHRINER’S CHILDREN’S ==ATTN: SHREVEPORT==PO BOX 947765==ATLANTA, GA 30394).