NASHVILLE, TN (WGNS) - A man who loved Murfreesboro and its people passed away early Wednesday morning (8/12/2026) at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville. Larry Russell Kirk, age 82, died with his wife, Cathy Fitzpatrick Kirk, by his side. For decades, Kirk was one of those familiar names woven into the fabric of the city — a steady, good‑natured presence who believed deeply in public service and in the people who call Murfreesboro home.
Kirk spent much of his career at the Murfreesboro Electric Department, where he served as manager and the department’s primary public contact. He oversaw operations for a utility of roughly 80 employees, guiding the organization through years of growth with a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and a calm, collaborative approach. Residents who dealt with him often walked away saying the same thing: Larry Kirk treated people right.
His commitment to service extended well beyond the utility. Kirk was a past president of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club (1997-1998), one of the city’s first civic organization. Friends and colleagues remember him as a leader who didn’t just talk about service — he lived it. Whether it was Rotary, community projects, or simply lending a hand where one was needed, Kirk showed up. He believed in Murfreesboro, and Murfreesboro believed in him.
Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland noted, "Larry was a leader of leaders. I will always remember him for his sage advice and his avid support for MTSU."
Middle Tennessee Electric President Chris Jones said, "Mr. Kirk was a mentor to many MTE team members, and of course, to many former MED employees. His years of leadership were fundamentally important to the local electric system keeping up with Murfreesboro’s growth. He was always a gentleman to me, and I was honored to consider him a friend."
MTE Marketing/Public Relations Coordinator Amy Byers, formerly with MED, commented, “Larry Kirk made a lasting impact on my life, both professionally and personally. He took a chance on a young, inexperienced college student and I will always be grateful that he saw potential in me and supported me throughout my career. Larry believed in people, gave them opportunities and made a difference in their lives. I am incredibly grateful to have been one of those people. He will be deeply missed.”
Senior Judge Don Ash shared, "A great athlete on the football field and riding a bike seventy miles. He loved the blue raiders but I was touched by his devotion to his bride when she was ill. A true gentleman Soli Deo Gloria !"
Former MED Manager Steve Sax noted, "Larry Kirk was a true leader within the electric industry and the Murfreesboro community. He was President of many of the Tennessee Electric groups including the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association, Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, Central District Power Managers Asssociation and other electric utility groups. He was active in the Murfreesboro Community serving on the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce Board, but most important, he helped start the Rutherford Crime Stoppers Board and served on this board from its beginning. Larry was active in physical health and was seen frequently riding a bicycle around the county. He will be missed in the Utility Community."
WGNS' Bart Walker remembers, "Larry had a way of relating to everybody. I always enjoyed running into him at the Wellness Center, where he was a devoted regular. Whatever Larry took on, he did it with gusto. Collecting dinosaur bones, riding his bike, cheering on the Blue Raiders, Rotary—you name it. If it involved people and made their lives a little better, Larry was right in the middle of it. He was a true friend, and he will be deeply missed."
Crimestoppper's Coordinator Clyde Adkisson said, "Larry Kirk was an original founding member of Rutherford County Crime Stoppers, Inc. He helped start the program in 1984. He was a former employee of Murfreesoro Electric Department. Larry was also a past Chairman of the local Crime Stoppers program. He was a member of BRAA Blue Raider Athletic Association. Larry was truly a leader in our community!! By: Major Clyde Adkison; Retired."
Wellness Center Manager Brian Lowe commented, "Larry has been a dedicated Ascension Saint Thomas Wellness Center member for over 35 years. He was always very cheerful and friendly to me and everyone. He had so many friends at the wellness center. Loved talking about MTSU, biking and trips he and Cathy have been going on. He was loving retirement."
Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Woodfin Funeral Chapel.
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