Major (Ret.) Quitman Lorimer Kirby, Jr.

Major (Ret.) Quitman Lorimer Kirby, Jr. 83, of Columbus, GA, passed from the life to eternity with Jesus on Friday, July 28, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Ann (nee: Anderson), and is survived by daughters Sibbie Diane Seymour (Mike) and Monica Suzanne Maxwell, son Bryan Quitman Kirby (Kara), sister, Sibbie Ella Goodfrey, two grandsons, and one niece.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, 7556 Old Moon Road, Columbus, Georgia, with Pastor Don Wilhite, Pastor Emeritus, and Pastor Ricky Smith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church, according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment with military honors will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 4, 2023 at Cat Creek Cemetery in Valdosta, Georgia.

Quitman was born in Brooks County, Georgia, August 29, 1939 to the late Quitman Lorimer Kirby, Sr., and Myrle Pope Kirby. Quitman graduated Valdosta High School, Valdosta, Georgia in 1957. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Army and served as an enlisted man for 9 years before graduating in 1966 from Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and being commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Infantry. In 1972, upon graduation from the Infantry Officer's Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, Quitman was selected to attend Park College, Parkville, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. His last assignment before retirement was with the Directorate of Resource Management, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia.

Quitman retired as a Major from the U.S. Army in February, 1978 after 21 years of service. His military service included tours in Hawaii, Korea (2), Germany, and Vietnam. His military medals include the Army Commendation Medal (3), Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal-Korea, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Quitman's name and his contributions to the U.S. Army are enshrined in the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in the U.S. Army Infantry Museum, Ft. Benning, Georgia.

After military service Quitman served 21 years with Federal Civil Service at Fort Benning, Georgia in the Directorate of Resource Management, retiring September 1, 1999. Quitman’s civilian awards include Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, Superior Service Award, and the Meritorious Civilian Maurice (Centurion) medallion by the National Infantryman’s Association. This award recognizes persons “for distinguished contribution to, loyal support of the Infantry, and demonstrating gallant devotion to the principle of selfless service embodied by the American Infantryman.”

Quitman wanted those who ask about him to know that he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his wife and family, his church family, and his country. He often repeated a phrase he contributed to a good friend that said, “If I had my life to live over I would become a Christian sooner, marry the same woman, and join the United States Army.”

Quitman was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Columbus, GA and served variously as Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of Finance Committee, and teacher of youth and adult “life groups” (Sunday School).

The family requests that in lieu of flowers those wishing to do so can make a donation to Cat Creek Cemetery Committee, c/o Ace Electric, Inc., 4081 Inner Perimeter Road, Valdosta, Georgia 31602.