Kirt J. Shiver

Kirt Jerome Shiver, Sr., 83, of Leesburg, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on January 8, 2026. Born on March 23, 1942, in Camilla, Georgia, the oldest of eleven children, he was the first of six boys born in a row, followed by five girls in a row. He grew up with humble beginnings in Sale City, where early hardships shaped his unmatched work ethic, strong will, and determination to see the world beyond the boundaries of his small hometown.

From a young age, Kirt dreamed of exploring “what was out there,” and he fulfilled that dream many times over. He traveled to all fifty states, most of them more than once—and visited several countries around the globe. For the past decade, nothing brought him more joy than taking his children on annual trips to the places he loved most. His most treasured adventure was this past June, when he carried only the grandchildren on a special trip to Jackson Hole and Glacier Bay.

Kirt was married to the love of his life, Irene, for nearly 56 years until her passing. Together they built a family grounded in loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. He is survived by his two children: Sonya Sutton (Mark) and Kirt Shiver, Jr. (Cathy). He was a proud Grandad to five grandchildren, Sean Shiver, Austin Sutton (Emily), Jordan McDaniel (Sam), Bryton Shiver, and Katelyn Sutton; four precious great-grandchildren, Aelin, Mary Reece, Sammy, and Riley; and eight siblings.

Over the years, Kirt worked various jobs—including Southern Bakeries, CSX Railroad, the U.S. Postal Service, M&M Mars, Kroger Family Foods, Georgia Highway Express, and Washburn Moving Company—before finally finding his dream job with UPS. He retired with more than 30 years of dedicated service. His delivery route took him back to his roots in Sale City, where he never met a stranger and could always find a family connection. He was “old school” in all the best ways, a jack-of-most-trades, and a man whose work ethic was second to none.

A faithful servant of Albany Gospel Chapel, Kirt loved his church family and quietly took care of the tasks that needed doing—no recognition required nor desired. Fiercely loyal and deeply loving, he was strong-willed, opinionated, and absolutely convinced that there was only one right way to do things: his way.

Kirt leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, January 13th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Leesburg Cemetery with Brother Bobby Marshall and Brother Mark Daniels officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Willson Hospice House, the Gideons International, or a charity of your choice.

Willson Hospice House, 320 Foundation Lane Albany, GA 31707

The Gideons International, c/o Ben Hill-Irwin Camp, P.O. Box 752, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.