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Mr. Thomas Eugene Kirkley, 78, of Charlotte, NC, departed this life on Tuesday, October 01, 2024, at his Residence.

Thomas Eugene Kirkley, Sr. departed this life on October 1, 2024, at his residence in Charlotte NC.  He was born November 18, 1945, to the late Hardin Kirkley, Sr. and Katherine Kirkley.  In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Anishia Jackson.

Thomas graduated from York Road High School in Charlotte, NC (now known as Kennedy Middle School). While in high school, he ran track and was an extraordinary sprinter.  He turned down a track scholarship to South Carolina State University to pursue a career in the United States Army.  He served in the Army where he worked as a mechanic. After an honorable discharge, he became employed at Bigger Brothers Trucking Company as a truck driver. He later obtained an associate's degree in physical therapy from Central Piedmont Community College.

He worked at Presbyterian Hospital of Novant Health for 40 years as a physical therapist assistant until he retired in 2015.  Thomas was a dedicated employee, never missing a day of work except for scheduled vacation.  He was detail oriented and passionate about his work.  He cared about his physical therapy patients and was always full of stories about how he assisted them in their rehabilitation.

Outside of work, he loved to go fishing, working in his yard and completing projects around the house.  He also loved to cook and bless his family and friends on Saturday's with "Fish Night".

Thomas was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was always willing to share his knowledge about cars and served as the unofficial handyman for the family.  He leaves to cherish his loving wife of 48 years, Doris Jackson Kirkley; his children, Thomas Kirkley Jr. (Tameka) of Charlotte NC, Eric Kirkley of Durham, NC; Vanessa Jackson (Vernard) of Charlotte NC, Myra Cannon (Rick) of Concord NC, Anthony Jackson (Angela) of Harrisburg NC; a special nephew Leonard "Leo" Jackson of Charlotte NC; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  In addition, he leaves one brother, Hardin Kirkley, Jr. (Brenda) of Clemmons, NC; and numerous extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.