Mr. Hayden Kirby-Smith, 80, of Kernersville passed away on February 18, 2025 under the care of Walnut Ridge Assisted Living.  Born in Washington D.C., he was the son of the late Dr. Hayden Kirby-Smith and Frances Simpson Onacewicz and husband of Eileen Kirby-Smith.

He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. and later the University of Richmond, Richmond VA in 1967 with a B.S. in Business Administration. While attending the University of Richmond as a student, he met his wife, Eileen Mahoney, and they married on June 17th, 1967 and have been married for 57 years.

Enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968, he served in Vietnam. For his service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism, the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action as he heroically put his squad before himself. Following his time in service, he began his career in the financial industry as a trust officer. During his 35 years in the financial industry, he had the opportunity to serve various communities such as Greenville, SC and Martinsville, VA. He retired as Director of Marketing for Mutual Life Insurance Company in Syracuse, NY.

In his spare time, he enjoyed John Wayne movies, playing tennis, reading and playing with his dogs. He was always a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins. He was also an avid history buff.

Hayden is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Kirby-Smith; his children, Catherine Johns (Kevin) and Brian Kirby-Smith (Christy); his grandsons, Mitchell Kirby-Smith and Drew Kirby-Smith; his sister, Carolina Kirby-Smith; his brothers, Lee Kirby-Smith, Reynold Kirby-Smith, Stefan Onacewicz; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his identical twin brother, Edmund Kirby-Smith and his sister, Virginia Kirby-Smith.

Funeral services celebrating Hayden's life will be held at Main Street United Methodist Church, 306 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284 at 2:00PM on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 with Pastor Jeff Patterson and Pastor Phil Kuntz officiating.  Interment will be at a later date at Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery in King George, VA.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the caregivers and staff at Walnut Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care and Mountain Valley Hospice.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook online at www.piercejeffersonfh.com