Georgia Sen. Greg Kirk has died after cancer battle

ATLANTA — Georgia Sen. Greg Kirk died Sunday morning after a battle with cancer.

Kirk, an Americus Republican, shared in June his diagnosis of bile duct cancer and colleagues announced last week that he had been moved to hospice care.

The Georgia Senate, through its Twitter account, said Kirk had a passion for serving those who were less fortunate.

“A man of outstanding character, and one who was a champion for doing what is right, made him one of our most fervent leaders and also one of our most gracious,” said the Senate press office on Twitter.

Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said his heart was heavy as he reflected on Kirk’s service.

“Greg was a tremendous asset to the Senate, but more importantly he was a loving husband, father and grandfather,” Duncan said on Twitter. House Speaker David Ralston said Kirk’s loss would be felt across Georgia.

“Senator Kirk devoted his life to glorifying God and building up his community,” Ralston said in a statement. “He had a servant’s heart and a compassionate spirit. We will miss his leadership and his friendship.”

A former pastor, Kirk also was a licensed counselor who owned a mediation company in Americus.

Kirk gained attention in 2016 when he authored a version of a “religious liberty” bill that eventually was vetoed by then Gov. Nathan Deal.

He was elected to the state Senate in 2014.

This article was written by Maya T. Prabhu with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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