Kenneth James Kirkland, 65, of Whittier, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 7, 2017. A native of Swain County and longtime resident of Jackson County, he was the son of the late James Harley and Ida Ann McClure Kirkland. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Lee Crisp, Lillian Kirkland, and Fannie Shuler; and two brothers, Arnold and Charles Kirkland.
Kenneth was a veteran of the U.S. Army First Calvary Division.
He is survived by one daughter, Christy Martin and husband Daryl of Bryson City; one son, Patrick Kirkland of Knoxville, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Joshua Crisp of Robbinsville, Kelley Brown of Whittier, and Jennifer Mazur of Fort Carson, Colo.; one brother, Dewey Kirkland of Whittier; one sister, Ivey Ogle of Bryson City; several nieces and nephews; and a special four-legged friend, Willy.
A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 11 at Lauada Cemetery. Rev. Jerry Orr will officiate.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the VFW Post #9281 in Bryson City.