Karl “Kirky” Kirkman Jr., 82, of Troutman, N.C., passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville, N.C.

Kirky was born in Statesville on November 5, 1942, to the late Karl Graham Kirkman Sr. and Mary Vivian Davis Kirkman. He was a graduate of Statesville High School and Wake Forest University, where he received a bachelor’s degree. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967. He was stationed in southern Germany, where he and Becky enjoyed many adventures across Europe. Kirky returned to Statesville in 1968 and became a celebrity of Statesville. He was known for his kindness, humor, and affectionate generosity. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

Kirky was the owner/operator of Johnson Greenhouses in Statesville, his family-owned florist since 1933. For 92 years, Johnson Greenhouses has served Statesville as an anchor business in the downtown area and social gathering spot. He was a member of Rotary Club and a lifelong fisherman. He enjoyed fishing trips with his friends to Alaska, Nicaragua, Florida, and his home Lake Norman, where the “Foot of the Cross Gang” told tall tales, caught exotic fish, and made memories. Kirky was a friend to all and loved everyone “big as the sky!”

In addition to his parents, Kirky was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Kirkman Boisseau, and his first wife Becky Kirkman.

Those left to cherish his memory are his current wife, Evelyn “Selena” Parker Wilkinson Kirkman; daughter, Mary Ruth Kirkman Hunt (Michael) of Greensboro, N.C.; son, Karl Graham Kirkman III (Robin) of Marietta, Ga.; granddaughters, Rebecca Hunt of Washington, D.C., and Caroline Hunt of Annapolis, Md.; grandsons, Thomas Ryan Hunt of Charlotte, N.C., and Henry and William Kirkman of Marietta, Ga.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, January 19, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Grant Sharpe and Rev. Jeremy Cannada. A reception will follow the service at Statesville Country Club.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.