John Kelly Kirchner, otherwise known as "Paw Paw", was born on January 13, 1959, and raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and passed away in Charleston, January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

John will be fondly remembered for his genuine love of nature, his passion for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football, which brought him much joy throughout his life, and for spending his days on the Isle of Palms. However, his greatest happiness came from time with his beloved grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply. As their Paw Paw, he created a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will remain in their hearts forever.

He is survived by his two sons, John Adam Kirchner and his fiancée Nancy Fort of Moncks Corner, SC, and Nicholas Kirchner and his wife Mikayla, also of Moncks Corner, SC. John's spirit lives on through his five grandchildren: Brandon Kirchner, Aleah Kirchner, Aiden Kirchner, Christopher Kirchner, and Kayleigh Kirchner. He is also survived by his siblings: Sissy Seyle and her husband Ronald of The Villages, FL; Donna Melvin and her husband John of Aiken, SC; and Ruth NeSmith and her husband Jim of Goose Creek, SC. His brothers, Donald A. Kirchner of McClellanville, SC, and Pat Kirchner and his wife Lisa of Mt. Pleasant, SC, will also carry his memory forward. Additionally, he is survived by sister-in-law Beth Kirchner, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Kelly Kenneth Kirchner and Mary Martha Cavanaugh Kirchner, as well as his brother Kenny Kirchner and his sister and brother-in-law Cindy Seyle and Gary Seyle.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of John at the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, located at 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 at 6:00 pm. The family will receive friends an hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for final expenses for John Kelly Kirchner, by contacting his sister, Ruthy NeSmith.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.