Richard Blain Kirkland

Mr. Richard Blain Kirkland, I, age 62 of Willacoochee, Ga., passed away unexpectedly, Thursday afternoon, September 29, 2022, in Berrien Co. Ga.  He was born, January 15, 1960, in Douglas, Ga., son of Adolphus L. Sr., and Shirley Coline Taylor Kirkland.  He made his home in Willacoochee, where he, along with his greatest blessing, his loving wife of 41 years of marriage, Vickey, together built a wonderful life.  Richard loved being with all his family.  He was a proud daddy to Blain and Kyle, daddy-in-law to Christina, but for those who knew him, knew that being a G-Daddy to Lilliana and Trace (Richard Blain Kirkland, III) was his favorite, by far.  Richard spent many years in woodworking, building both kitchen and gun cabinets, swings and rocking chairs, before starting his own boat business.  He loved the outdoors and spent many of his younger years playing softball.  Richard would also go fishing any chance he could and enjoyed many trips to Lake Eufaula.  Most days you could find him on his tractor mowing and keeping his property well maintained. Richard also enjoyed watching his TV Westerns, like his favorite show, “Gunsmoke”.  He enjoyed the holidays, especially Thanksgiving with his family, the more the merrier.  Any conversation with him was anything but a short one, as he loved to talk.  Richard loved and knew the most important things in this life, he treasured those things.  He was a well-respected and loved man in the community and to all who ever had the chance to meet him.  Richard will forever be missed.

Survivors include:

Mother:  Shirley Kirkland Chapman of Valdosta, Ga.

Wife:  Vickey Hunkapiller Kirkland of Willacoochee, Ga.

2 Sons:  Blain Kirkland and wife, Christina of Willacoochee, Ga.

             Kyle Kirkland of Willacoochee, Ga.

4 Brothers:  A.L. Kirkland of Dothan, Ala.

                  Joe Kirkland and wife, Carla of Blackshear, Ga.

                  Tony Kirkland and wife, Cathy of Baxley, Ga.

                  Roy Kirkland of Valdosta, Ga.

3 Sisters:  Deborah Nobles and husband, Mike of Panama City, Fla.

                Wanda Kirkland of North Palm Beach, Fla.

                Michele Kirkland of Valdosta, Ga.

2 Grandchildren:  Lilliana and Richard Blain Kirkland, III "Trace" 

Several nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with many other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Kirkland were held, Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Pearson, Ga. with Rev. Joey Floyd, Rev. Russell Joiner, and Bro. David White officiating.  Special musical selections included, “One More Day”, “It Was Almost Like a Song”, and “I Miss You a Little”, all rendered by cd.  The interment followed in Willacoochee City Cemetery with song, “Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by cd.  Closing remarks were given by Richard’s nephew, Rev. Joey Floyd, and dedication of the grave was given by his nephew, Marcus Corbitt. 

Serving as active pallbearers were:  Mike Duggan, Marcus Corbitt, David White, Keith Joiner, Chris Scott, and Jimmy Dale Bolden. 

Serving as honorary pallbearers were:  Will Owens, Neal Floyd, Corey Hayes, Brice Kirkland, and Lance Hendley. 

Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.