George Hampton Kirkland III

George H. Kirkland, Ill, age 96, departed this earthly life on December 22, 2024, to stand before God and His only Begotten Son, Jesus, to be judged of his life's deeds. In his later years George tried to live his life in accordance with KJV of Proverbs 3:1-10.

George was born in Gulfport, Mississippi on August 12, 1928 to George (Mike) H. Kirkland, Jr. and Dorothy Bufkin. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Greenwood, Mississippi. George attended Greenwood public schools and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1946. He attended the University of Mississippi and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Immediately upon graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was called to active duty by the U.S. Air Force and served with the 49th Fighter Bomber Wing at K-2 AFB near Tague, Korea. Upon completion of active duty, he met Molly Ann Fitzsimmons of Mobile, Alabama. They were married in 1956 and had two sons, George (Hamp) H. Kirkland, IV, and John B. Kirkland, who are his survivors along with many cousins and relatives in Mississippi. Molly proceeded George in death in 2002.

George had an active and rewarding career in engineering and construction and furthered his education with attendance at the University of Alabama for a Master's Degree in Engineering Mechanics. He ended his career as Director of Engineering and Construction for Union Camp Corporation, which later merged with International Paper Company.

After retirement George and Molly divided their time between St. George Island, FL, Hattiesburg, MS, Mobile, AL and their home in Atlanta, GA. George participated in sailing, boating and his favorite sport, surf casting from the beach at St. George Island, where the family maintained a vacation home fondly named "Sunny Horizons." After the barnacles of old age overtook him, George took up woodcarving, primarily carving shore birds in the primitive fashion.

It was George's wish that all his relatives, friends and close associates not be specifically mentioned by name in his obituary for fear of omitting someone of great importance. George's earthly remains are to be cremated.

A Memorial Service will be held on February 10, at 10:30 AM at Sardis United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, George requested that donations be made to Sardis United Methodist Church or Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, SC.