Rev. Wayne Kirk

The Reverend Wayne Kirk, 87, of Bessemer City passed away peacefully the afternoon of Monday, June 8, 2015 at Alexandria Place. He was born March 9, 1928 in Lincoln, Nebraska son of the late Arthur and Bessie Kirk. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 Saturday Morning at Carson Memorial Baptist Church, Kings Mountain officiated by Pastor Chris Wilson and Pastor Elisha Calo. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 Friday Evening at the church. Interment will be held at Westview Gardens, Bessemer City. He attended Bob Jones University where he and fellow students founded what is now known as Carson Memorial Baptist Church. While in language school in New York City, he met his beloved Lucia "Dear" Spicer and the couple was later engaged in Paris. After getting married in Miango, Nigeria, they served together as missionaries in The Republic of Niger for eight years where they quickly grew to a family of seven. The Kirks settled in Crowder's Mountain and began their forty year ministry at Carson Memorial Baptist Church. In addition to serving as pastor, he taught Missions at Ambassador Baptist College (where he received his Honorary Doctorate Degree), authored many books, and mentored countless students. His love for Christ was evidenced by his lifelong devotion to missions, his church, and his evangelical work in the community. He is survived by his son, Sam Kirk (Debbie), daughters, Louise Baker (Jerry), Irene Calo (Phil), and Jackie Heintzelman (Tod), nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and four siblings. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of fifty five years, Lucia Belle Kirk, son and daughter in law, Stephen and Allison Kirk, grandchild, Stephanie Kirk, great grandchild, Levi Calo, and one sister. In lieu of flowers,memorials may be made to Carson Memorial Baptist Church Mission Fund, 262 Sparrow Springs Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Alexandria Place for their care of our beloved Daddy and Granddad. Arrangements are with the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.