William "Bill" Winlock Kirkland

Mr. William “Bill” Kirkland age 65 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Saturday at St. Joseph/Candler Hospital in Savannah, Ga. following a short illness.   A native of Atkinson County, Mr. Kirkland was born October 01, 1952 in Willacoochee, Ga. son of J.C. and Dorothy Minchew Kirkland. He farmed and grew chickens for many years and later worked as Manager at Lott Hardware in Douglas, Ga. For the past several years he had worked as a Gunsmith. He was a graduate of Atkinson Co. High School and finished 2 years at ABAC in Tifton. He also served on the Atkinson County Board of Education. His hobbies included Nascar, hunting, fishing, Ga. football, shooting and repairing firearms, listening and watching movies, especially war movies and spending time with his family. He was a member of Stokesville Baptist Church.   Survivors include: Wife: Gloria Bennett Kirkland of Pearson, Ga.   Son: Ben Kirkland of Pearson, Ga.   Grandchildren: Noah Delbridge, Thomas Delbridge, Addaleigh Delbridge, Emma Delbridge and Aiden Green of Largo, Fl., Callen Lee Reaves and Titus Gaskins of Kirkland, Ga. and Dalton Royals of Alma, Ga.   Brother: Joe Kirkland and wife Sam of Lynchburg, Va. 2 Brothers-in-Law: Don Bennett of Huntsville, Al. and                                Bob Bennett and wife Brenda of Austell, Ga.   Mother-in-Law: Opal Bennett of Sautee, Ga.   Aunt: Melba Ray of Hapeville, Ga.   Special Family Friend: Janet Critzer of Pearson, Ga.   Several Nieces and Nephews also survive.   Beloved Pet: Tiger   Funeral services for Mr. Kirkland were held at 2:00 P. M. Wednesday, April 11, 20l8 at Stokesville Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Pierce and Bishop Lamar Park officiating. Special musical selections included “The Old Rugged Cross” and “It is Well with My Soul” rendered by the attending congregation with Kay Pierce leading and Patty Spivey accompanying at the keyboards. “Amazing Grace” was rendered by soloist Janet Critzer. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was by Kay Pierce pianist. The interment followed in the Antioch Cemetery.   Serving as active pallbearers were: Reef Mullis, Bren Mullis, Michael Swails, Marcus Cofield, Matthew Cofield, Phillip Spikes, Parker Liles, and Kyle Green.   Honorary Pallbearers were: Stetson Swails, Mic Swails, Ray Lott, Wade Brown, E.J. Weiss, Sonny Weiss, Bill McCranie, Phil Liles, Hampton Giddens, Tom Morris, Ronnie Spikes, Al Lott, Bob Parker, Clark Durden, Bob Cole, and David Medders.   Memorials in memory of Bill are encouraged to be made to Stokesville Baptist Church.   Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, GA. was in charge of the arrangements.