Virbest ‘VJ” Kirkwood Jr. 80, of Anahuac, Texas, passed Sept. 24, 2026.
Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 03, 2026, at Lily of the Valley COGIC 1222 Main St. Anahuac, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until Funeral at 11 a.m.
Born Nov. 11, 1945, to Irene Alfred and Virbest Kirkwood Sr., VJ was born to be a hardworking family man. As the oldest son, he and his sister, Genevieve, always made sure their younger sisters and brothers were taken care of. He made sure he was always there for them whenever they called. His siblings always brought joy and happiness to him. He kept them out of trouble and may have gotten them into a little trouble at times. Being a protector of his sisters was very important for him.
On May 14, 1963, he married Shirley Blue. Together, they became a dynamic duo when it came to joy and laughter. It was almost impossible to be around them and not experience continuous laughter. You could not think of VJ without thinking of Shirley.
In 1981, after trying unsuccessfully to have children, VJ and Shirley adopted two-year-old Byron. VJ and Shirley were amazing parents who remained devoted to their family throughout their lives.
VJ also enjoyed fishing. If you ever searched for him and couldn’t find him, there was a good chance he was at the creek fishing. He always had great stories about the things that happened while he was fishing.
You could argue that no one worked harder than VJ. He spent time working as a rice farmer, a road construction worker, an auto mechanic at Congleton Auto Parts, and a heavy equipment technician for Chambers County Road and Bridge, where he eventually retired. He was also a skilled carpenter and performed carpentry work for many others. Even when he broke his leg, he still found a way to keep working.
He also had a funny story about attempting to become a bull rider, but his father snatched him off the bull before he could even begin.
VJ always had a trick or two up his sleeve, whether it was taking his sisters to the cemetery at night to scare them or putting people in the back of his truck at White’s Park and turning off the headlights at night just to get a laugh.
VJ always had a special way of welcoming every new baby into the family, and he always had a nickname for each one. One of the happiest moments of his life was when he and Shirley had grandchildren of their own. This brought even more nicknames and even more pranks. He was blessed to spend much of his final days surrounded by his grandchildren.
Another special moment was traveling to Germany for two weeks with his sister, Loretta “Punchy,” to see Mickey’s son being born. He often told stories about the great times they had during that trip, always with a big smile on his face.
His generosity and sense of humor remained with him until his last breath. Whether it is now, five years from now, or fifty years in the future, we will always remember those two letters: V. J.
Message from Penny with the photo of him and Penny
VJ It is so hard to say goodbye to you and all the memories I have of the good times I had growing up having you as my brother. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world and will love and miss you forever. All I have to take with me are the precious memories of loving you have left in my heart. Farewell my love.
V J was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Shirley Blue Kirkwood. Family members in order of death- Sisters: The late Mary Jane Kirkwood and Genevieve Kirkwood Tilford, His mother, the late Irene Alfred Kirkwood, brother, the late Ronnie Ray Kirkwood, his father the late Virbest Kirkwood Sr. Sister: the late Warine Kirkwood Hutcherson, Brothers-in- Law: Ray Hutcherson Sr. Bobby Henry Sr Larry Thomas Sr. and Earl Henry Jr, Sisters-in-Law Shirley Diane Lewis Kirkwood and Zola Mae Artis. Sister Mary Diane Kirkwood and brother Robert Lee Kirkwood.
He leaves to mourn his Death: His son, Byron Kirkwood (Candace) and grandchildren (Saibeyhan Kirkwood, Elohn Kirkwood, Kalehb Kirkwood, Canahja Joseph). Three Sisters: Elaine Kirkwood Randle (Frankie), Shirley Jane Kirkwood Mosley (Perry) and Loretta Kirkwood Bill (Ronald), God son and nephew Larry (Mickey) Thomas Jr Sister-In-Law Antonette Holmes; special son, Brian Henry and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also, a special friend, Catherine Banks.
Proctor’s Mortuary – Anahuac, is in charge of final arrangements, 518 Miller St., Anahuac, TX. 77514 (409) 840-2022. The guest book can be signed; words of comfort and condolences for the family can be left at www.proctorsmortuary.com