John Doyle "Trey" Kirkpatrick, III, 40, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023. He was born September 3, 1982 in Starkville, MS. Trey had a way of making everyone he spoke with feel like they were the most interesting person in the room. He had the gift of gab (thanks to those Hayes genes) and used that gift to welcome people and make all kinds of friends.

He graduated from Houston High School in 2001 and attended Itawamba Community College on a golf scholarship. Trey loved golf - all the birdies, pars, and even the (double) bogeys. He was an avid Ole Miss Rebels fan, indoctrinated early by his dad and his Uncle Carroll to wear red and blue and shout "Hotty Toddy!" Trey and his uncle spent many a Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Trey was a much-loved son and brother. He took his brotherly duties of pestering and aggravating his sisters very seriously. And yet, even they knew that Trey was full of love. He enjoyed helping others - lending his Mr. Fix-It skills, serving where needed, and sharing a kind word. With his help, he always brought fun. He didn't mind making himself look silly to make those he loved smile.

In August of 2002, Trey survived a terrible vehicle accident that could have taken his life. But he overcame many setbacks, and the world was miraculously given 21 more years of Trey that might not have been. Trey's family and friends are thankful for every single one of those days - even the hard ones.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mary Jane and Roger Hoover of Bartlett, TN; his sisters Martha and Haley Kirkpatrick of Cordova, TN; his step brothers John Hoover (Christie) of Memphis, TN, Matthew Hoover (Kelsey) of Arlington, TN, and Chris Hoover (Dave Klein) of Chicago, IL; and his nieces and nephews, Nicholas Hoover, Savannah Hoover, and Mason Hoover. Trey is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Doyle Kirkpatrick, Jr. and his grandparents, John Doyle and Sylvia Kirkpatrick and Aubrey and Dorothy Hayes.

His family likes to think that when he entered the presence of Jesus, Trey was also greeted by all the loved ones who went before him. Trey was probably running late and brought 5 different outfit options (all shorts). His friends greeted him with a pat on the back. Granny gave him a kiss on the cheek that left a purple lipstick stain. Gramps said, "Welcome home, boy," with a wink, and his dad gave him his robe, and they walked arm-in-arm together to sing in the heavenly choir.

Welcome home, Trey, there are lots of people here who miss you dearly.

A service will be held Friday, June 2 at Christ Church in Memphis, TN with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. and a service at 3 p.m. A service will also be held Saturday, June 3 at Houston Funeral Home in Houston, MS with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. Houston Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements. Burial will be at Chickasaw Memorial Gardens in Houston, Mississippi. Pallbearers will be Josh Earnest, Josh Gammill, Chris Hoover, Matthew Hoover, Jimbo McKissack, Dewitt Moore, Randy Moore, and Stephen Woody. Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Teasley and Rami Quwar.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite sports-related nonprofit, such as Memphis Athletic Ministries (mamsports.org) or St. Jude or Lebonhuer Children's Hospital.

St. Jude

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Lebonheur Children's Hospital

P.O. Box 41817

Memphis, TN 38174