Claude Kirby Ballew
Kirby Ballew, 88, of Simpsonville, husband of Thelma Aiken Ballew, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Born in Simpsonville, Mr. Ballew was a son of the late Dillard & Virginia Kirby Ballew. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Simpsonville – Upstate Church. Kirby served the City of Simpsonville as the Director of The Recreation Department for 28 years.
In addition to his wife, Thelma, he is survived by his children, Jeffrey Wayne Ballew (Wanda), Reba Michele Campbell (David), Kimberly Dines Johnson (Harry), and Yolanda Meredith Crouch (Lee); thirteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Carolyn Garrison and Jean Smith.
Mr. Ballew was preceded in death by two sons, Claude Kirby “Kee” Ballew, Jr., and Timothy Scott Ballew; siblings, Charles Gordon Ballew, Sr. (Betty Jean), Martha Brown (Rev. James), and Ivy Abbott (TC); and two brothers-in-law, Frank Garrison, and Richard Allen Smith.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm in the Heritage Chapel of Cannon Byrd Funeral Home – Simpsonville, 313 N. Main St., Simpsonville with Rev. Charles “Chuck” G. Ballew, Jr. officiating.
Interment will follow in Cannon Byrd Memorial Park. The family will visit with friends following the committal service.
Thelma and family,
I know you all are grieving the loss of a husband, father, grandfather,
great grandfather and your “HERO”
He will truly be missed by his work family and especially myself.
Thelma you and Kirby always made it a point to drop by the funeral home just to say hello. I looked forward to those visits because Kirby was always Kirby no matter where you saw him.
I will miss him for sure. Much love to you all.
Thelma, Jeff, Reba, Kimberly, Yolanda, and the entire Ballew family. It is known by all that knew him, he was a great guy. Kirby and I have been friends for many years. We go back to the days when(7up was still a six) Most of his family grew up in Simpsonville, and most of mine in Fountain Inn, but we all knew each other. In our later years we worked together for the city of Simpsonville, After we both had retired we once again worked together for several years at Cannon Byrd Funeral Home. My friend Kirby will be missed ,by his family, and friends. I know that I will always miss him, The way he always smiled, and laughed. Kirby, had a heart of gold and would always happy to help you any time you need him, We shared a lot of thoughts from our early years and how we had seen so much change in the two towns. Yep i say we were good friends. To all of the family, May GOD make smooth the path before you in the trying times ahead. Just remember to keep your faith and the hope of knowing that we will meet him again RIP , and make us a Tee time. Love you man Your friend in Christ.
Ray
I’m so sorry for the loss of your we love you all. ❤️🙏🏼
Loved Kirby! Gave me first job with Parks and Rec and made me decide on that as a career! Prayers for all during this difficult time!
Miss Thelma and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have only heard great things about Kirby and I know the heartache of losing such a special loved one.
The Ellenburg and Watson family will be keeping y’all in our thoughts and prayers.
Thelma and family, our prayers are with you. Kirby was a great friend to Ken through the years. So sorry for your loss.
With love,
Ken and Peggy Richardson
Sorry for your Loss, bur it is Heavens gain I know how you fell I have been in that place, God will give you Grace to help you thru. Love ya and Prayers !Fran Porter
We are so sorry to hear about Kirby. He was always the sweetest and dearest man. We will miss our “anniversary” buddy Aunt Thelma! Love you guys.
Dear Jeff & Wanda and family,
Words cannot express the pain im my heart for your family I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thelma, Jeff and family-
Loved Kirby Ballew! Tough loss here….what an awesome guy!
Loved his spirit, his smile….the way he carried himself, just a selfless individual.
Kirby helped so many people out along the way, so many. Always a joy to be around and talk with; just a champion of a man every day!
This world needs more Kirby Ballews!
God bless the Ballew family!
Mitch
Thelma and Family,
Kirby lived life to see contributions to our community in every way possible. He was a Ballew which is like a lot of great people from Simpsonville. He took care what I think is the second best thing for a community. Church and Faith being #1. Keeping the mission of serving which is what he enjoyed, he knew he wouldn’t get rich but knowing he cared for our community and did that very well. His life on earth is complete but his legacy will live on in people that lived and played and in our children and grandchildren we all have been blessed through his dedication and service. God Bless you and the family for this is a celebration of meeting up with a lot of people he has had a part of their lives in our Home Town and the Golden Strip. May he enjoy the fruits of his labor as he’s not suffering anymore.
Phil Hester Family and Many Others
Thelma and family, Joan and I send our deepest condolences during this time of grief. It was certainly a pleasure knowing and working with both of you here at the Funeral home, and Kirby’s reputation of service within this community describes the person he was inside and out. Please know you all are in our prayers and we know that one day we will see our loved ones again in a brand new body without pain or sorrow.
Wilton & Joan Fowler