Jackson “Jack” Bristol Kirksey

Jackson “Jack” Bristol Kirksey, 92, of Morganton, NC entered eternal life on March 2, 2017.  Born in Burke County, NC on February 9, 1925, Jack was the son of the late Lonnie Herman Kirksey, Sr. and Margaret Bristol Kirksey.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lena Buff Kirksey; children, Charles Jackson Kirksey (Lee) of Charlotte and Edgar Herbert Kirksey of Morganton; grandchildren, Marshall Barnett Kirksey and Virginia Reid Kirksey of Charlotte, who were personal sources of inspiration and joy; nephews, L.H., Carl, Lee, Jimmy, and Giles Kirksey; and nieces, Margaret Caldwell and Corinne Alavi.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Helen Ragan Kirksey; brothers, Lonnie Herman Kirksey, Jr. (Mary) and Robert Lee Kirksey (Betsey); stepmother, Winn Bowers Kirksey.

Jack started his career in the family business, Kirksey & Company.  The company’s interests ranged from furniture and appliances, and later funeral homes and an ambulance service.  In the mid 1950’s, Jack left the family business and was a cofounder in Hardwoods of Morganton.  When he retired as president in 1991, HOM had grown into one of the preeminent wholesale hardwood companies in the southeastern US.

Jack’s interest in politics started as a young man.  Gov. Kerr Scott appointed him to the State Board of Public Welfare.  He served on the State Highway Commission under both Gov. Terry Sanford and Gov. Robert Scott.  In the Scott administration, he served as vice chairman of the commission and chairman of its committee on primary roads responsible for planning major highways.  He remained a close, personal advisor to Gov. Jim Hunt for many years.  In 1977, Jack was presented as the 30th recipient of Morganton’s “Man of the Year” award.  He followed his Uncle Edgar in this distinction, who was Morganton’s first “Man of the Year” in 1948.

As a man of few words, Jack gave unconditionally, helping many within the community and other communities in the area.  He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served many years on the administrative board.  Jack served many years as a trustee of Grace Hospital, as well as countless other local boards.  He was very proud to be a founding member of The Community Foundation of Burke County.  He also served on The Board of Visitors at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He loved playing golf with good friends and business associates, and was a lifelong member of Mimosa Hills Golf Club and Hound Ears Club.

A graveside service will be held at 1pm, Monday, March 6, 2017 at Forest Hill Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Monday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. John Fowler, the Rev. Charlotte Brendel, and Chaplain William Robertson officiating.  The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In light and legacy of Jack’s Christian service, the family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 North King Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.