Phillip Nathaniel Kirksey was called home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the age of 71. He was born August 11, 1949, to Clara Worthy Kirksey and Joseph William Kirksey in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was the youngest of nine children. He attended Monroe Street Elementary School and graduated from J.C. Price High School in 1967. As a child he attended Mount Zion Baptist Church, participating in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Phillip was a very popular student who loved to sing. He formed a singing group, "The Marlboros" with fellow schoolmates who travelled entertaining at numerous colleges and universities up and down the East Coast. The group recorded one album "I Do Love You" with Justice Records before separating. Phil, as affectionately known, was a loving, caring and wonderful man whose smile would brighten any room. His family was his pride and joy. He was a diehard SPURS fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Sidney B. Kirksey (Doristine) and William G. Kirksey (Joan). He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Leonor T. Kirksey; children William Elliott Kirksey, Katherine Ann Kirksey Palacios, Jo Ann Lozano, Kenneth Lamar Kirksey and Knachelle (Shelly) Kirksey Hopson (David); grandchildren Ryan Andrew Kirksey, Michael Villarreal, Promise Palacios, Jocelyn Palacios, Zion Palacios, Darrian Nicole Kirksey, Lily Grace Kirksey, Karen Elizabeth Kirksey, Jordan Hopson and Jared Hopson. Surviving siblings include one brother Michael E. Kirksey of Waynesboro, PA., five sisters Alma S. Kirksey and Flora Caldwell-Daughtry (Cornelius) of Baltimore MD., Judy L. Berryman of Capital Heights MD., Harriet L. Ross and Audrey J. Hairston (Jessie) of Washington D.C. He is also survived by a host of loving in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Castillo Mission Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Herschel Giroux of One Faith Community Church. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at San Jose Burial Park.