Jeff Kirkland

Mr. Jeff Kirkland age 80 of Lazy Nine Rd., Pearson, Ga. passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at his home following an extended illness. A native of Atkinson County, Mr. Kirkland was born September 23, l932 son of Randolph Julian Kirkland and Ione Sears Kirkland. He retired as Principal of Pearson Elementary School after thirty years as an educator. He served on the Atkinson County Forestry Board for many years. He was a tree farmer and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also coached Little League Baseball for many years. He was a member of Union Hill Congregational Christian Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent. He was preceded in death by a son Randolph Kirkland, Jr. and a brother Sears Kirkland. Survivors include: Wife: Patricia Fender Kirkland of Pearson, Ga. 2 Daughters: Carman Walker and husband Greg of Pearson, Ga. Amanda Anderson and husband Ronnie of Fernandina Beach, Fl. 5 Granddaughters, 3 Great Grandchildren and several Nieces and Nephews also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Kirkland were held at 11:00 A. M. Friday, June 14, 2013 at Union Hill Congregational Christian Church with Rev. Darren Deal officiating. The Eulogy was given by Bruce Corbitt. Special Memories were shared by his granddaughters, Kaycee, Autumn, Amber, Lauren, Leigh Ann and brother in law, Bo Fender. Special musical selections were “It Is Well With My Soul” rendered by Berrien Sutton, Jason Fender and Michele Favavva with Francine Fender accompanying on the piano. “Beulah Land” was rendered by Derrick Soles with taped accompaniment. Soft music for the Prelude and the Postlude was by Francine Fender, pianist. The interment followed in Union Hill Cemetery with “Amazing Grace” sung at the gravesite by Bo Fender, Jason Fender and Michelle Favavva. Serving as active pallbearers were: John Sheffield, Jerome Crosby, Jason Fender, Harvey Taylor, Jim Metts, Hampton Giddens, Clavin Day and Sammy Sweat. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.