Jul 17, 2026
Dwayne Page
Dallas Deloy Kirby, age 79, of Smithville, entered his eternal home on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Born on January 18, 1947 in Smithville, TN, he was the beloved son of Virgil Lee “Bud” and Audrey Martella Kirby. He married the love of his life, Diane Hooper Kirby, on June 26, 1967, and together they shared 59 wonderful years and built a legacy together that will last for generations to come.
Deloy worked as an inspector at Carrier before pursuing a career at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home in 1978 to pursue his calling to support grieving families. In his early years at the funeral home, he worked the ambulance service for DeKalb County before the county had an ambulance center established. He and Diane owned and operated Love-Cantrell Funeral Home serving as a pillar of compassion and strength in the community after the passing of his in-laws, Allen and Wilma Hooper. Deloy was a founding board member of DeKalb Community Bank, a member of the TN Cattleman’s Association for many years, and a member of Mt. Hope The Baptist Church.
He was a passionate lifetime farmer raising registered Charolais cattle for many years before changing his herd to angus cattle. Deloy enjoyed his weekly appointments to the Warren County Livestock cattle sale. He knew every one of his cows by heart, recognizing each one by its unique markings. With just a glance, he could tell which calf belonged to which mama. To him, they weren’t just cattle, they were part of his life.
Beyond his career and farm life, he had a deep passion for his family. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, offering solid advice, or sitting under the shed sharing stories, his greatest joy was simply being with his family.
Deloy is survived by his devoted wife, Diane Kirby; his children, whom he adored, Renee (Brad) Hennessee and Chad (Shelia) Kirby; his grandchildren, who were his world, James Caplinger, Zachary Caplinger, Dallas Kirby, Brylee Kirby, Katya Hennessee, Valya Hennessee, and Pasha Hennessee; his great-grandchildren, Brookelynn and Brayden Caplinger; his sister, Doris Fuson; his brother, Darrell (Jewel) Kirby; and his special friend, David Keith. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his fur babies, Lacey, Sophie, and Patches.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil (Bud) and Martella Kirby, and his brother-in-law, Willie Lee Fuson.
Visitation with the Kirby family will be on Saturday from 1-7pm and on Sunday from 11am until the time of service at 2pm in the chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Dwight Knowles, Bro. Garry McBride, and Bro. Frank Randolph will officiate, and interment will follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
If you choose to make a donation in memory of Deloy, the family has asked that donations be made to the Allen Hooper Scholarship Fund.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.