Kirby Ray Wahl
Kirby Ray Wahl went to be with the Lord on his 96th birthday, on Easter morning, March 31, 2024; Glory to God.
Kirby was born on a farm in McCluskey, North Dakota and was the sixth of 12 children born to Ted and Catherine Wahl.
He left the farm at the age of 18 and worked many jobs, putting himself through college plus years of higher education. He graduated from the University of Dubuque, IA with a Masters in Theology. He worked in churches in Wisconsin, Colorado, California, and Illinois.
He began a successful real estate sales career in Naperville, IL in the 1960’s. In 1986, he and Judy moved to California to sell homes in the Laguna Beach region and sold many ocean-front homes.
Kirby had a wonderful sense of humor, was an avid reader of historical books, loved being with his family, and loved traveling with Judy (their favorite countries were Norway and New Zealand). Kirby and Judy concluded their career as the innkeepers at the Chanticleer Inn on Lookout Mountain. They enjoyed hospitality and traveled to numerous inns across the United States. Kirby loved telling stories of his childhood on the farm and various jobs to pay his way through his education.
By was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and granddaughter, Karlyn Heilman.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judy Wahl; children, Sandra (Erick von Nieda) Heilman, Kirby (Laura) Wahl Jr., Joann (Herman) Salazar; daughter through marriage, Susan (Chris) Maclellan; seven grandchildren, Timothy (Gloria Orr) Heilman, Skylar and McRae Wahl, Morgan (Lisa), Owen (Jennifer), Robert (McLain) and Wilson (Tori) Maclellan; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, William, Helen, Mary Charles, and Margot Maclellan.
He was a member of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, where the visitation will be held on Moy 10, at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Men’s Renew Ministry at Calvary Chapel church, 3415 Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tn. 37409.
You may share condolences with the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.