W. Thurmond Burnett David T. Burnett
Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home
PO Box 389-801 Columbia Rd.
Edgefield, South Carolina 29824
Phone: 803-637-6536
Email: [email protected]
Roy Everette Kirkland, Sr. went to rest on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. He was born on December 22, 1934 in Johnston, SC, the son of Shirley and Bessie Lou Kirkland. He was the dedicated husband of Marina Waters Kirkland for 52 years, until his death in 2009.
After graduating from Johnston High School in 1956, Roy started working in the United States Postal Service and then at the National Old Line Insurance Company, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1969, he became the controller of the school district of Edgefield County, where he worked for 26 years until his retirement in 1995. After retirement, he co-owned K&S Arbor Products. In retirement, he invented and received a patent for a special device for cutting trees. Roy also served in the South Carolina National Guard for 20 years until he retired as Master Sergeant.
Throughout his life, Roy was an active leader in community and civic activities, serving as president of the Johnston Jaycees and active member of the South Carolina Jaycees, founder of the Johnston Youth Basketball League, member of the local Cotillion and chairman of the Council for the Council County Senior Citizens. As a member of the Johnston United Methodist Church, Roy was a member of the Wesley Bible Class, served as a Board Trustee and a member of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the Persimmon Hill Golf Club, a regular participant in the weekly Dog Fight and played in the Senior Golf Circuit area. He was also an avid fisherman, gardener and a strong model and father figure for many people throughout his life.
Roy leaves his daughter, Valerie Kirkland Holmes, his son, Roy Everette (Tina) Kirkland, Jr., grandson, Marshall Kirkland Crocker and great-grandson Kirkland Lee Crocker. He was deceased by his parents, his wife, his sisters, Ruth Kirkland Brantley, Mary Kirkland Ford and Elizabeth Kirkland Hawkins, and his brothers, James, Truedell, Julian, William Kirkland.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 9º at 7 am at the Mount of Olives cemetery in Johnston, SC. Due to COVID-19, social distance and masks are requested. Instead of flowers, memorials can be sent to Johnston United Methodist Church, PO Box 186, Johnston, SC 29832.