Franklin Kirby Malpass, III.

Franklin Kirby Malpass, III. passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC on October 6, 2022.

Kirby was born on October 30, 1975 in Wilmington, NC.

Kirby adored and loved his family, always wanting to be together with them. He liked to keep his hands busy; putting together model cars, fixing cars, and painting. Kirby was an incredibly kind man who would go above and beyond to help others. He was known as one to “give the shirt off of his back and always be there for you”.  Kirby’s biggest achievement in his short, but fulfilling, life was the love he had with his family that will now carry on after he has passed. His daughter, Kelly, was his greatest accomplishment and he loved her dearly. He took himself out of a dark place and put himself into the light, and shared that light throughout his lifetime and beyond. He will be truly missed.

A personal note from Dottie, Kirby’s sister: “I love you, Kirby. You went through so much and kept pushing on. You will forever be in my heart. As long as I live, I will never forget you or what you have done for me. You took me on my first date. You showed me how to drive a car. You took me in at a moment’s notice. You were always there to protect me. I miss you so much. Please give me a sign so that I know you are here with me. Tell Mom, Grandma, and Uncle Frankie that I love them and give them a kiss from me. Until I see you again, know that I love you and appreciate you for all that you have done. You were the best big brother that anyone could have asked for. Forever in my heart.”.

Kirby is survived by his daughter Kelly Griffin and her son Calvin, brothers Donald Malpass (Angel) and their children Shakela, D’Angelo, Ahmia, and Elijah & Brian Butler (Tiffany Tedder) and their children Xander and Tyler, sister Dottie Malpass and her children Aaliyah, Amir, and ZaRoyal, cousins Christina Malpass and Tycinda Pacheco, his dear friend and father figure Dave Weaver, as well as many other family members and friends who loved and will miss him. Kirby is predeceased by his mother Brenda D. Malpass, his grandmother who raised him as her own Dorothy J. Malpass, his Great Uncle Billy Johnson, Uncle Frankie Malpass, and cousin Stefan Malpass.

Kirby’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hope Recuperation Care Center and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare staff for the wonderful care they took with him.

There will be a Memorial Service for Kirby to be announced at a later date.

Please leave memories and condolences for Kirby’s family by signing the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.