Richard William Kirk, Jr. was born on September 4, 1948 in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He was the beloved son of Harriet Edwards Kirk and the late Richard Kirk, Sr. He departed this earthly life on November 24, 2017 at the WJB Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

After graduating high school in 1969, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably, until his injuries sustained in the Vietnam War forced him to retire. After his military service, Richard attended the University of South Carolina to further his education. Throughout his career, Richard worked as an EMT and with several companies, including Circuit City, for more than 10 years.

He married Yvonne Johnson on November 28, 1974. They shared more than 42 years of love and devotion before his passing, which was just days before their 43rd wedding anniversary. Their union was blessed with three sons.

Richard loved fishing! That was his favorite thing to do in his spare time. He also liked to cook. He considered himself to be a gourmet chef. He also enjoyed scuba diving in Lake Murray and filming underwater. He was a member of Christian Life Assembly in Columbia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne Johnson Kirk; sons: Richard W. (Verdell) Kirk, III, Jason Randall Kirk, and Adam Kevin Kirk, all of Columbia, South Carolina; his mother, Harriet Kirk; a niece, raised like a granddaughter, Tamia; a special niece, Karen Anderson; sisters: Yvonne K. Roundtree of Columbia, South Carolina, Frances K. Younger of Silver Springs, Maryland, Erma K. Phillips of Memphis, Tennessee, and Elena K. Wright of Tampa, Florida; his nieces and nephews: Donna R. Green, Wanda R. Sherrill, Collin L. Young, Jr., Annette Y. Gray, Howard Kirk, II, Warren Kirk, Thosdi Phillips, Devin Phillips, and Chasity Landy; as well as many caring friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

In addition to his father, Richard was predeceased by a brother, Howard L. Kirk, II.