Mr. Kirby Michael Crooke, 79 of Monroe, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday March 23, 2025. Kirby was born on October 12th,1945 in Kannapolis, NC. He was the son of Harold and Mary Crooke. He was one of five children and spent most of his childhood in Anson County. From an early age, he had ambitions to make a name for himself. He developed a sense of work ethic and desire to provide for his loved ones. These traits are what helped shape him into the successful business and family man he is known for today. He attended several different schools growing up and was frequently moving, however, he never had an issue making new friends. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1963 and attended Wingate College, where he met his wife of 59 years Mary Jane. Kirby began his career working at Telydyne Allvac, quickly learning from his mentor, Frank Elliott. After only a short amount of time, the company's owner, Oliver Nesbit, promoted Kirby to source Telydyne's new product development of titanium. This required him to travel across the country. His diligence did not go unnoticed and was soon recognized by Bob Gallagher, CEO of Monroe Combining out of New York, NY. He saw Kirby's potential and placed him in charge of the company's southern plant. This is where he found his true calling and cultivated his love for textiles. This passion and his entrepreneurial spirit ultimately lead to Kirby opening his own textile business, Tramar Incorporated, which went on to operate for over 40 years. He did this all while constructing his own industrial park, consisting of warehouses housing multiple companies. Following NAFTA, the textile industry, like most domestic manufacturing, was moved to Mexico. As opposed to letting his company dissolve, Kirby moved his manufacturing to China instead.

His knowledge of business and economic foreshadowing allowed him to foresee the ultimate trade trajectory. This led to him becoming an early pioneer in international trade. Tramar Inc expanded and evolved into Tramar Global, housing offices and showrooms in NC, NYC, China and India, with sales teams dispersed globally. Kirby traveled the world (both for work and fun), creating many friends along the way while continuing to advance the business and his overall success.

Although he ultimately retired from textiles, leaving the business to his son and family, a true businessman can never really rest. Kirby continued to build and lease his industrial real estate portfolio from retirement. Even in his last days, he was involved in many new projects, investments, and developments. The rest of Kirby's retirement was devoted to traveling, playing golf, and spending as much time with family and friends as possible. He and Mary Jane loved to "fly south for the winter", as he'd say, spending the winter season at their home in Miami, FL. The rest of the year was spent between their beloved home in Monroe, NC and their other "home away from home" in Myrtle Beach, SC. It was in these places that Kirby built forever friendships and memories. Kirby knew how to have fun and never met a stranger. He had a personality that captured people's attention. Even in the biggest of crowds, he was a person that others gravitated to. He always had a story to tell to anyone who would listen.While he was known by most for his business and career accomplishments, those closest to him know his most cherished titles were "Dad" and "Papa". He took pride in the life he created not just for himself but for his family. He fully embodied the role of being the provider and head of the "Crooke Clan". Looking back at his life, there are very few to no goals that he did not accomplish. He was a true representation of the American Dream, coming from little means and a humble background, he worked hard for the beautiful life that he created, one that extended beyond business to friendships and an adoring family. Kirby leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, success, love for one's family, and knowing how to live life to the fullest.

Kirby is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mary Crooke of Monroe, NC, brother Douglas "Lynn" Crooke of Monroe, NC, and his granddaughter Mary "Karsyn" von Egidy of Charlotte, NC. He will be greatly missed by his wife Mary Jane Crooke of Monroe, NC, son Perry (Dusty) Crooke and daughter Traci (Dennis von Egidy). His siblings Janet Turner, Myra (Ronnie) Billingsley, and Norman Crooke. His grandchildren, Ashton (Stephen) Davis, Logan Crooke, Kirby von Egidy, Riley Crooke (Will Brewer), Kole von Egidy, and Daxton and Annistyn Crooke. His great grandchildren Kayden Crooke, and Grayson, Gannon, Emerson and Eden Davis. He will also be missed by his extended family and many friends.

The family would like to thank his longtime physician Dr. Avinash Shah, his home health caregivers, his caregiver and friend Julia Muse, Hospice of Monroe, NC, and his "best friend" and assistant Shay Tarlton.

A visitation with the family will be held on Friday March 28th, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 followed by a traditional service on Saturday March 29th, 2025 at 1:00. Both will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church Monroe, NC.

In lieu of flowers, as a way to honor his love and support for his grandchildren, donations can be made in his memory to Karsyn's Kids Foundation. This is a non-profit organization which benefits local kids with special needs. Donations can be made using this link https://givebutter.com/xAhHcP

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Crooke Family.