Mr. Jerry Mearl Kirby Jr., 53, of Palmetto, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital after a battling esophageal cancer. He was born June 1, 1960, in Birmingham, AL, to Jerry Mearl Kirby and Avonelle Norred Kirby. His father preceded him in death.

Jerry graduated from high school in Nocona, Texas, where his family lived while his father attended seminary. He owned and operated the Firing Pen Sporting Goods Store in East Point, GA, for many years before founding and owning a successful tree farm, Ikthus Tree Farms.

Jerry was a longtime, active member of SouthCrest Church in Newnan where he volunteered in several ministries.

The funeral service is Saturday, May 24, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home with Pastor Shawn Smith officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson St., Newnan, GA. The family will have a private interment at Holly Hill Memorial Park.

Rather than flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, P.O. Box 55071 # 15530, Boston, MA 02205-5071 or www.ecaware.org

Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com .

Survivors include mother, Avonelle Kirby; son, Kyle Kirby; daughter, Kaylan Kirby; mother of his children, Lisa Jane Kirby; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.