John Carman Kirk, of Columbia, age 74, passed away on March 7, 2025. After birth in Atlanta, GA, February 11, 1951, John resided in Columbia his entire life. He attended AC Flora High School, graduating in 1969, and accepted a football scholarship to Wofford College before becoming injured and transferring to the University of South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Marketing in 1973. He continued his education, earning a Master of Business Administration in Finance in 1975. John began his career working for Bankers Trust, during which time he became a Certified Public Accountant, and later worked for Deloitte accounting firm. Next, John accepted the position of CFO at Carolina Ceramics in Columbia. But it was in 1989, that John found his passion for real estate development, working for The Manning Company. John worked with his lifelong friend and eventual business partner, Deas Manning, later forming Manning, Kirk & Associates where John worked until retirement.

John loved life, loved people, and loved to tell stories. He had many life adventures that were always top of the list to share with friends and family, whether they be about AC Flora football, "The Horsemen", his years coaching Little League baseball, meeting James Brown at the Township Auditorium, meeting President George H. Bush at the White House, or simply talking about the many concerts he attended, or the many fishing and hunting trips he enjoyed with friends. John also enjoyed books, music, the River Walk and everything Gamecocks.

John was a loving and caring individual, cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Rhonda Roberts Kirk of Columbia; sister, Kathy Bradberry of Angola, NY; son, John Kirk, Jr. (Dana) of Columbia; daughter, Kimberly Kirk of Melbourne, Australia; step-daughters, Kelli Carter (Adam) of Greenville, Ashley Lentz (Mark) of Charleston; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Elby Kirk and Jeanette Carman Kirk of Columbia.

The funeral service for John will be held at 2 o'clock, Tuesday, March 11th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 1 o'clock.

His legacy of love and friendship, strong faith and thirst for life will continue to inspire those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, 190 Knox Abbott Drive, Ste. 301, Cayce, South Carolina 29033.