John Kirk brought his own refreshments to his 90th birthday celebration Sunday at First Baptist Church in Troy.

Everybody knew he would.

Kirk is “The Peppermint Man” and, as always, he had peppermint treats, but “for ladies only.”

Handing out peppermints is a John Kirk tradition and he dispenses the red and white candy treats with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes.

But it’s not just the ladies who have been recipients of Kirk’s thoughtfulness and caring for others.

Kirk has a big heart and a spirit of volunteerism as big as all outdoors.

In fact, when Kirk retired from his paying job as an auditor after 33 years, almost immediately, he began volunteering with the Red Cross. He retired from his non-paying job after 20 years.

Kirk, laughingly, said a steady 40-year diet of peppermint could be a major contributing factor to his longevity.

But in reality, Kirk said that staying busy and involved as a volunteer probably has more to do with the “90 years” on his birthday cake than the bowl of peppermints beside it.

“I enjoy giving,” Kirk said. “I’d rather give away than receive. For me, receiving is difficult. I don’t do that well.”

Kirk is faithful to his church and happily gives of his time and his talent by singing in the choir, which he has done for 67 years.

“I’ve been singing in the choir longer than I’ve been married,” he said, laughing. “Eloise and I celebrated our 66th wedding anniversary on Sept. 2. My granddaughter’s birthday was on the 12th of the month so September has been a month to celebrate.

Mary Gibson and her husband, Mack, have been friends with the Kirks for about 50 years.

“John and Eloise are both wonderful, giving people,” she said.

“It was an honor for Mack and me to be a part of John’s 90th birthday celebration. He sang in the choir Sunday morning. At age 90, he continues to give. It was good to see so many of his friends from around Troy and from Montgomery and Fort Rucker come to share this happy time with him. He was honored by the many who came. I am honored to be his friend.”