Christopher Shayne Kirkland

Christopher Shayne Kirkland (Big Chris/Big Business), 69 of Knoxville, our precious Husband, Dad, and Granddad went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Chris graduated from Young High School with the BEST personality superlative in 1973 (We know he would want you all to know). His classmates recall that he was always charming, hilarious and kind. If he saw someone being left out, he invited them in. In addition to spending time spreading charm, he was on the tennis, basketball, baseball teams and in the orchestra. He maintained those friendships throughout his life.

Chris had a lifelong love of music. He was a guitar virtuoso who enjoyed playing all types of music, particularly jazz, southern rock, country, and gospel. In addition to his own musical talents, he helped inspire others by teaching them the craft at Lynn’s Guitars starting at the age of 17. Most notably, he managed the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Impressions and The Soul Legends of Knoxville, The Blair Brothers. He enjoyed managing and playing guitar alongside these groups as well as many others. He passed on that love and musical talent to his children, and they will continue to carry on that legacy to his grandchildren.

Chris was a faithful member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church where he played guitar in the orchestra and several productions of The Living Christmas Tree. He served as Executive Vice President of Gouffon Moving and Storage Company for over 30 years. During that time, he also served as Chairman of The Better Business Bureau of Knoxville. He was always known for his love for baseball. He dedicated many weekends in his earlier years to coaching his son, Chris, and traveling throughout the country leading their team to an AAU National Championship. He also mentored many kids through serving as President of the Knoxville Stars Baseball Organization and opening The Yard Baseball School.

We liked to joke that Dad was the cat with “11 lives”. He overcame many health issues over the years, and just when you thought that would be the one to take him down, he would rebound into a better mental place than he ever was before. He always had the will and determination to keep going with no complaints. His mental strength taught us to always keep a positive attitude, never feel sorry for ourselves, and to not give up when things got hard no matter what the circumstances. His life showed us that we don’t get to pick the hands we are dealt, but we do get to decide how we are going to deal with them.

He is preceded in going to Heaven by his parents, Fred and Pauline Kirkland; father and mother in-law Jr. and Wanda Monday. Chris is survived by the love of his life, Sandra; daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah and Keith Boring, and Ali and Ben Huff; son and daughter-in-law, Chris (Little Chris/Little Business) and Taylor Kirkland; 8 grandchildren, who were the lights of his life, Nolan, Liam, Jessie, Archer, Wynter, Sage, Navi and Cove. Special brother and sister-in-law, Phil (Kay) Kirkland; brother Tim Smith; Sisters, Tammy Pressnell, Connie Smith; brothers-in-law Ron (Vicki) Monday, and Steve (Jackie) Monday as well as many other family members and life-long friends who were so near and dear to his heart.

A receiving of friends and family for Christopher will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Woodlawn Christian Church, 4339 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM, 4339 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. A graveside service will occur Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation - T2T.org

Online condolences may be left at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Kirkland family.