John Kirk

John Casey (J.C.) Kirk, 64, passed away peacefully on August 4th, 2018 at his residence. He was one of the eight original boys to move into the White County (Boys) Group Home in 1986, in Searcy. He fought a brave and courageous battle against the horrible disease of cancer.

J.C. was born December 21, 1953, the tenth child of Casey and Annie Laura Kirk, or Des Arc, Arkansas. He often competed in the Special Olympics, and even participated after his diagnosis. J.C. loved the classics such as Elvis, and his favorite The Beatles. He worked at New Hope Industries, and enjoyed his trips out to eat, especially to Western Sizzlin for their fried chicken.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Joe Kirk and Tom Kirk, both of Beebe; three sisters, Clara Mae Clement of Paragould, Wilma Louise Heslep of Beebe, and Arlene Sheehan of Sherwood.

J.C. is survived by two brothers, James (Sybil) Kirk of Cabot, Leland (Regina) Kirk of Beebe; three sisters, Billie Norman on McKenzie, Tennessee, Carolyn (Martin) Ausburn of Searcy, and Joyce Wright of McKinney, Texas, He also leaves many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as the seven "brothers" from the White County Group Home.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the J.C. Kirk Memorial Fund at any Centennial Bank location, to benefit the White County Men's Group Home.

Family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 7 at Smith - Westbrook Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Smith - Westbrook Chapel. Burial will be at Johnson Chapel Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. www.SmithFamilyCares.com