Dr. William F. "Bill" Kirby

Dr. William F. “Bill” Kirby, 90, of Camby passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Franciscan Health Mooresville. He was born September 3, 1933 in Falmouth, Kentucky to the late William K Kirby and Irene (Lucas) Rich. Bill graduated from Covington Latin School in 1948 at the age of 15 and began college the same year. He took a break from schooling and met his wife, Vivian Morrison, while working at a Cincinnati television station in the “Ruth Lion’s Show”. They married in 1954 and had 3 children, Pamela Kirby Widener, Scott Kirby, and Doug Kirby. They then had 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He served in the army from 1954 to 1956 after which he attended undergraduate school at Indiana University, receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1959. He began his practice, WF Kirby, OD-optometrist, in Mooresville in 1960 and cared for patients for 40 years before retiring. 

Bill was an active member of the Indiana Optometric Association. He served on the continuing Educational Committee, which provided post-graduate education to Indiana optometrists. He served on the Board of Directors of the State Optometric Association and was Treasurer of the Association for 6 years. He was voted “Indiana Optometrist of the Year” by the members in 1998. He was also past president of the Stonebelt Optometric Society. He served as Awards Chairman for the Indiana Optometric Association, and was a member of “Vision USA” during which time he encouraged Indiana optometrists to provide free eye exams to over 4,500 of Indiana’s working poor. He also made several visits to Haiti to provide free eyecare to the poor.

Bill was a past President of the Mooresville Lion’s Club, and was a past member of the Optimist club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce. He was a longtime member of St. Thomas More Church in Mooresville.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed woodworking, painting, and listening to jazz. He loved travel and he and Vivian traveled to most states and many foreign countries. He particularly loved Paris and so took French lessons. He was a self-taught handyman who could fix just about anything. His love of flying was something very important to him. It culminated in him owning his own airplane. Most importantly, Bill loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Gordon. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Vivian Kirby; daughter, Pam Kirby (Ned) Widener; sons Scott Kirby and Doug (Janet) Kirby; granddaughters Adrienne Kirby (Tony) Aarts, Katrina Widener, Kathleen Kirby (Tanner) Princell and Samantha Kirby; and great grandchildren Isabel and Silas Aarts. 

A private graveside service will be held at White Lick Cemetery in Mooresville. Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service and Crematory has been entrusted with Bill’s arrangements. Please visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or sign the online guest registry.