Billy Dempsey Kirks, Jr.

Mr. Billy Dempsey "Bill" Kirks Jr., 79, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 2, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home, 100 Branchview Drive NE, Concord, NC 28025.

A graveside service celebrating Bill's life will be held on Monday, August 3, at 2:00 p.m. at West Lawn Memorial Park, 1350 South Main Street, China Grove, NC 28023, with Rev. George Morris officiating.

Bill was born on July 1, 1947, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Billy Dempsey Kirks Sr. and Olee Christine Bost Kirks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel "Danny" Kirks, and his sisters, Rosie Kirks and Betty Hendricks.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Joyce Lapish; his son, Kevin Kirks and wife, Sybil, of Salisbury; his daughter, Shelia Drake and husband, Jay, of Midland; his grandsons, Joshua Kirks, Jacob Philemon, and Jonah Kirks; his granddaughter, Madison Philemon; his great-granddaughter, Chloe Kirks; his sister, Bernice Kirks Will; along with extended family members, treasured friends, and countless people whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

Bill was one of those rare people whose presence made others feel at home. He never met a stranger, and he had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. His smile was genuine, his heart was generous, and his kindness left a lasting impression wherever life took him.

He retired from Fuller Supply Company in 2014 after a long and successful career traveling throughout North and South Carolina. Along the way, he built far more than a customer base, he built lifelong friendships. Even years after his retirement, people still asked about "Mr. Bill," a testament to the respect, warmth, and genuine care he showed to everyone he met.

A man of unwavering faith, Bill didn't simply believe in God, he lived his faith every single day. His relationship with Christ shaped the way he loved, served, forgave, and cared for others. He faithfully shared that love through music, singing in church, playing his guitar, and spending countless hours in his music room writing songs that glorified God. Whether leading a song or simply humming a favorite hymn, music was one of the ways he shared the joy that filled his heart.

Bill possessed a true servant's heart. Helping others wasn't something he felt obligated to do, it was simply who he was. He quietly gave of himself, expected nothing in return, and found genuine joy in making someone else's day a little brighter. His humility, compassion, and steady presence were gifts to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Bill loved his family beyond measure. Nothing brought him greater happiness than simply being together. He treasured quiet conversations with his children, laughed and sang gospel songs with his daughter-in-law, Sybil, and proudly "supervised" his son-in-law, Jay, as they tackled Bill's latest invention or project together. He loved relaxing beside his beloved wife while watching classic westerns, delighted in hearing about his grandchildren's adventures, and found endless joy in watching his great-granddaughter, Chloe, run through the house while lovingly keeping him on his toes. These ordinary moments became the extraordinary memories his family will forever hold close to their hearts.

To many, he was known as Bill. To those who loved him most, he was Mr. Bill, Dad, Pappy, and Pops. Each name reflected a different role, but every one of them was spoken with deep love and admiration. No matter what you called him, you knew you were loved.

Bill's legacy is not measured by the years he lived, but by the countless lives he touched. His family will remember his unwavering faith, his gentle spirit, his generous heart, his love of music, his quiet wisdom, and the joy he found in life's simplest blessings.

While his family grieves the loss of his physical presence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. They find peace in knowing that the songs he once sang by faith are now sung in the presence of his Savior. Until they meet again, they will carry his love forward, cherish his memory, and thank God for the immeasurable blessing of having called him husband, Dad, Pappy, Pops, and friend.