Donald J. Kilby

Donald Joyce Kilby, aged 74 years of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, passed away in the early hours of Friday, November 12, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.  Formerly of Baltimore, Maryland, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice, his son John (spouse Katie), daughter Jackie, his grandsons Caleb and James, sister Cathy (spouse Buddy), along with countless others he impacted over his life. He was preceded in death by his father, Jay Kilby, and mother, Doris.

Don was born in North Carolina and grew up in Elkridge, Maryland. He was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served as an Artilleryman during his tour in Vietnam, before being honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist in 1970.  After his Vietnam tour, Don graduated from Towson State University and held jobs as a teacher and bowling alley manager before joining the US Postal Service. He began as a letter carrier in Baltimore City and climbed the ranks, serving 15 years as Postmaster in Crofton, MD before retiring to South Carolina.

Don was diagnosed with myeloma in 2005, a result of exposure to Agent Orange during his military service, but his stubbornness, his registered nurse wife of 50 years, and his love of family kept him fighting. Despite his diagnosis, he thrived for over a decade before slowing down, traveling all over the US before his health began declining.

Don was an avid golfer, a bowler and a softball player, and a skilled leader, public speaker, and a voracious reader. He served as Cubmaster for pack 436, Committee Chair for Troop 302, and a ceremonialist for the Moose Lodge in Essex, Maryland.  He also loved hiking the Appalachian Trail, camping with the Scouts, archery and firearms with family, and listening to good music of all flavors and genres. Don was known to hold entire conversations in music and movie/television quotes or references; a testament to his sharp wit and cool demeanor.  Having an inexplicable but instant connection with dogs and children, he taught his grandsons the importance of the remote control and using cereal as a snack, not just for breakfast. 

Don will be missed by so many, but his witty sense of humor, helpful nature, and quiet determination lives on in the countless lives he’s touched.  His last wishes were that no funeral be held, but for family to scatter his ashes in the Gulf of Alaska.  In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his name to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, kindly visit the funeral home website at www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, (843.651.1440) is assisting the family with arrangements.