H.L. Kirby

Howard Lee “H.L.” Kirby, of Pacolet, passed away on Saturday morning, February 21, 2026, at TerraBella Assisted Living. H.L. was born March 7, 1931, a son of the late Howard L. and Eva Welchel Kirby. He was married to the late Gertrude Martin Kirby, who passed away in 2013.

H.L. retired from Vulcan Materials Company with over 40 years of service. He was a graduate of Pacolet High School and was a US Army veteran, serving in the Korean War. He attended Riding for Jesus Cowboy Church in Pacolet.

Along with his son, H.L. spent countless hours and days watching over and tending to his cattle at Twin Cedar Farm. Hard work and the outdoors were hallmarks of H.L.’s life and excelled at both.

Surviving is his son, Ken Kirby of Pacolet; his daughters, Brenda Romhild and Connie Massey of Spartanburg; his sister, Patsy Motts of Pacolet; 6 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Along with his wife and parents, H.L. was predeceased by his brothers, Elmer and Jimmy Kirby.

The family will receive friends 1:00-1:45 pm Monday, March 2, 2026, at Floyd’s Pacolet Chapel, 141 Memorial Drive, Pacolet, SC 29372. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm in the Chapel, conducted by Pastor Mitch Trammel and the Rev. Dennis Tessnier. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post #28.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Regional Hospice, PO Box 2624, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

Floyd’s Pacolet Chapel