Beyond the Game

Brian Kirby was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on August 3, 1979, to Howard (Curtis) and Cindy Kirby.

From a very young age, Brian was strong, athletic, and full of life. In fact, when he was just four months old, he could stand upright in his dad’s hand. As a kid, he loved being outside with his friends across the street, riding bikes, playing Nintendo, spending time with family, and, of course, playing sports…especially baseball.

His love for the game started early. While his dad, Curtis, was still playing softball, Brian noticed the lights from a field across the street. He asked, “What’s that over there?” When he was told it was a baseball field, he asked, “Well, why can’t I do that?” That moment sparked something special.

Brian began playing Little League at 9 years old, coached by his dad, Curtis. Some opponents wanted to see his birth certificate because he was just that good. There was no way he was just nine years old! He played for the North Little Rock Colts, a team he actually named himself after trying to dream up a good mascot for the team. His baseball journey continued through American Legion ball with the Little Rock Lions, North Little Rock High School, and then on to the University of Arkansas. Though he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds out of high school, Brian chose to become a Razorback first and played for the U of A. At Arkansas, he earned Freshman All-American honors in 1998 and set a freshman home run record. He played in the Cape Cod Baseball League and was later drafted by Cleveland his senior year and went on to play professional baseball for several years, reaching double and triple A ball. Brian mostly played right field and catcher. He was a left-handed power hitter, and as many loved to say, you can’t spell Kirby without RBI.

But as much as Brian loved baseball, the greatest parts of his life were found off the field.

Brian met Jennifer through his grandmother, Sandra Griffith, who set them up on their first date. They dated for a few years before getting married on Valentine’s Day in 2008 on live television …at 6:00 in the morning …after winning a local TV contest in Oklahoma. If you knew Brian, you know that being married on television was probably his worst nightmare, which made it all the more clear just how much he loved Jennifer.

Later, Brian moved back to North Little Rock and began working at Kirby’s Heating & Air, the family business started by his dad and Uncle Vernon Kirby. He took pride in being part of that legacy.

Brian and Jennifer built a beautiful life together and raised two wonderful daughters, Jordan and Brantley. He spent countless hours with them at dance competitions, in Branson, at the beach, camping, traveling to Oklahoma to visit family, and making memories at Disney World with Brian’s sister, Marisa or Aunt Risa. He loved spending time working on his Camaro and helping his dad work on his. He was an incredible husband, father, brother and son.

Brian loved his family, friends, and his dog, Penny. He was the kind of person who seemed like he could do everything, and more importantly, he would do everything he could for you. He was a man of his word. He was always good to help his mom and dad with anything they may need and his sister with her flat tires and car questions. He always made sure his wife and girls were taken care of. And if anyone needed to know the weather forecast…. They knew who to call. Meteorologist, Brian Kirby. He was the weatherman for all of us.

Brian loved his church community. He was a man of deep faith, who faithfully lived out his convictions with grace and dignity. He was an avid Bible student, who loved to share the hope he had in Jesus with those who interacted with. He looked forward to the soon return of Jesus Christ “when this mortal shall put on immortality…” and we would all be reunited with our Savior (1 Cor. 15:54).

Brian will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him. He was about as good as it gets.