March 24, 2025, 75, Mount Olive —

Ernest B. Kirby, known to most as Ernie Kirby, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Wayne UNC Healthcare.

Born April 26, 1949 in Wayne County, he worked for 30 years with the N. C. Employment Security Commission, a  career he dearly loved and enjoyed.

Ernie was preceded in death by his father, Ray Kirby; his mother, Edna Brock Kirby; his brother Jimmy Kirby; and the person he loved more than life itself, his wife, Donna Kirby.

He is survived by his sister, Carol K. Jackson and husband, James Jackson, of Cape Carteret; a niece, Casey Miller and companion, Troy Donahue, of Goldsboro; a sister-in-law, Sandra Barnes and husband, Dean, of Goldsboro; a sister-in-law, Kim Dean and husband, Dwayne; a sister-in-law, Karen Routh of Randleman; a nephew, Stephen Tart and wife, Dani, of Grantham, niece, Caroline Warmack and husband, Kyle, of New Bern; nephew, Hunter Dean and wife, Anna, of Goldsboro; niece, Kennedy Dean of Goldsboro, and cousin and best friend, Billy Lassiter of Mount Olive.

Ernie loved nothing more than taking a ride on his motorcycle, any events relating to motorcycles, and just living life to the fullest.  He made friends every where he went, was humble, and a wonderful friend to many.

Visitation will be Friday, March 28, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Ernie’s residence.  A celebration of his life will be at a later date.