WHEN STEVE Kirby joined the Navy in 1975, he never imagined how many miles — and milestones — it would carry him through. Over the course of 17 years in uniform, he served across the country, from Florida to Mississippi to California, eventually earning the distinguished title of Sailor of the Year aboard the USS Prairie, a destroyer tender stationed in San Diego.
But what followed was just as dynamic. Kirby has had a successful run in the car business, deep ties to the music industry, and now, at age 72, a leadership role in nonprofit work — one he stepped into with grace, humor, and conviction.
That recognition gave Kirby a rare opportunity to choose his next post anywhere in the country. He decided to be close to his home state of St. Louis, Missouri, and accepted a position at the Navy’s recruiting logistics headquarters in Nashville. That decision would open the door to the next chapter of his life, full of music, motors, and meaningful relationships.
There’s more to Kirby’s journey than a record of service.
One of the most challenging moments of his life came in 1987 when Kirby’s father died suddenly at the age of 54.
“It was shocking,” Kirby said.
At the time, he was caught up in the fast-paced rhythm of his Navy life in Nashville. Christmas gifts for his dad were waiting at his house — gifts he never got the chance to deliver.
“I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d see him,” he reflected.
This moment still lingers in his mind, reminding him of how quickly life can change and how important it is to hold your loved ones close.
From his time in the Navy, Kirby carries forward lessons that have anchored him ever since.
“The Navy has made me an extremely organized person,” he said. “You learn things like being on time. I always tell my grandchildren that the most important thing you can do when you wake up is to make your bed. It begins a day of organization.”
That same structure, self-discipline, and purpose carried him smoothly into civilian life, though not without a few bumps along the way.
Leaving the military wasn’t easy.
“It’s hard to go from that steady, disciplined environment to regular life,” Kirby admitted.
But he knew it was a stepping stone to something else — and for a natural people person like him, the car business was a perfect fit.
In Nashville, Kirby quickly became the director of sales at a major dealership. There, he connected with big names in the music industry, selling vehicles to Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Michael McDonald.
“Michael called and said he was going on tour with Cher in Europe. He asked if I’d pick out a Tahoe and deliver it to his wife, Amy. I said, ‘sure,’ and I did,” Kirby recalled. “I knew what my customers wanted. I knew how to take care of them. That’s what made me successful.”
Though the connections were exciting, Kirby longed for a slower, more grounded pace.
“I was ready to get into a rural community like where I grew up in Missouri,” he said.
He called his General Motors representative, and the response was immediate — Walker & Garner Chevrolet in Winchester needed a general manager. Kirby accepted the position and relocated in 2008.
Three years later, he met Colleen, a registered nurse of nearly five decades at the local hospital. They immediately fell in love and married the same year. The two traveled the country together — South Dakota, Naples, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Maine, England, and Italy — making memories and soaking up life’s beauty.
Kirby managed what is now Russell Barnett Chevrolet until 2021 and briefly stayed on as an adviser in 2022. Then, in April 2024, he stepped into a new role: executive director of United Way of Franklin County.
“We’ve got 26 agencies we provide funding for,” he said. “Everything we collect, we try to pour right back into the community.”
His days are full but never too busy for what matters most — his family. Kirby is a proud grandfather who attends his grandchildren’s extracurricular events as often as possible. He’s also an active member of Winchester First Baptist Church.
Even with physical challenges from his athletic past — including torn tendons, multiple surgeries, and a knee replacement — Kirby keeps going. He once played various sports, even competing in softball tournaments nationwide with the armed forces. While tennis and pickleball are no longer options, the memories were well worth it.
“It was worth every minute. I wouldn’t trade any of it,” he said. “Those were great times.”
Today, Kirby focuses on giving back, staying grounded, and cherishing the present.
“Try to enjoy life,” he said. “I try to live every day like it could be my last. And all you can do is learn from the mistakes you make.”
Kirby’s story started on a Navy ship and led him through years of service, leadership, and change. No matter where he’s been, whether in the military, the car business, or nonprofit work, he’s kept one thing steady — he shows up for people. Now, at 72, he’s still giving back, learning, and leading with heart. GN
