James Lawrence Kirkland Sr.

James L. “Larry” Kirkland, 81, of Cordova, passed away on Monday, February 10th, after a long illness. He was born in Clarksville, TN on November 25, 1943 to the late Howard Leslie Kirkland and Wynelle Duke Kirkland. He graduated from Messick High School and attended Memphis State University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha. His entire career was with Goodyear, eventually working in four states and retiring as manager of the Memphis Wholesale Tire Center. His passions were sports cars, motorcycles and grilling the perfect steak. His greatest love in life was his wife of 40 years, Margaret Suzan Kirkland, who, together, spent many years traveling the country in their RV.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind three children, James L. Kirkland, Jr (Janet) of Hendersonville, NC, Kathleen Kirkland Nieman (David) of Matthews, NC, and Vicki Yates Brown (Dale) of Spanish Fort, AL. Six grandchildren: Anna Kirkland of Tallahassee, FL, Lucy Kirkland of Hendersonville, Caroline Kinard (Austin) of Charlotte, NC, Andrew Nieman of Charlotte, Shelby McKinley (Ryan) of West, MS, and Morgan Price of Spanish Fort. And one great-granddaughter, Ryleigh McKinley, of West. He also leaves a sister, Judith Kirkland (Harriet) of Tucson, AZ and sisters-in-law, Nancy Kirkland of Sautee Nacoochee, GA and Kathy Warren of Helena, AL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Howard Kirkland.

There will be a memorial service at a later date.