Rayford Roy Kirkland November 16, 1921 – May 01, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card Rayford Roy Kirkland passed peacefully at Esplanade Gardens in San Antonio, Texas on the morning of May 1, 2019 at the age of 96. The funeral will be held Monday, May 6th at South McComb Baptist Church at 11am. The family will greet friend at the church from 9am to 11am Monday morning Rayford was born November 16, 1921 in Smithdale, Mississippi to Gladys Marie Carraway Kirkland and Steve Leroy Kirkland.
He was the fourth of five children. He predeceased his wife of 60 years, Cora Maybeth Byrd Kirkland, his parents, Gladys Marie Carraway Kirkland and Steve Leroy Kirkland; his sisters, Grace Kirkland Whittington and Fay Kirkland Deer, and his brothers, John J. (Bud) Kirkland and Carey J. Kirkland. Rayford leaves behind his sons, Thomas Rayford Kirkland and wife Christine Magee Kirkland of Knoxville, TN, David Earle Kirkland and wife Linda LeBlanc Kirkland of San Antonio, TX, and daughter, Betty Kirkland Barron and husband Donald Barron of Oxford, MS; grandchildren, Michelle Kirkland Albritton and husband Sam of Knoxville, TN, Todd Kirkland of Fort Collins, CO, Jason Kirkland of San Antonio, TX, Kim Barron Maples and husband Joe of Oxford, MS, Kay Barron of Oxford, MS, and Kyle Barron and wife Jill of Knoxville, TN; great-grandchildren, Jones Albritton, Kate Albritton, Arden Kirkland, Marlee Kirkland, Courtney Maples McCoy (Derrick), Hunter Maples (Miranda), Cody Pruitt (Blaire), Barron Pruitt (Courtney), Trae Pruitt (Heather), Kirkland Jo Pruitt, Hannah Barron Roy (Joshua), Grace Barron; great-great-grandchildren, Tanner and Emma Jo McCoy, Levi Pruitt, Darcey Kate Pruitt, and Sawyer Pruitt.
He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and many other loving family and friends who will remember Rayford fondly. Born in the swamp between the East fork in the Amite River and Pumpkin Patch Creek in Amite County, Rayford soon moved to McComb, MS. There he met and married his wife, Cora Maybeth Byrd Kirkland and they soon started their family.
In 1944, during World War II, he said goodbye to his young son and his pregnant wife to serve his country proudly as a Seaman 1st Class in the United States Navy. Rayford worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 50 years. Always an avid gardener, he was quick to share the fruits of his labor with friend and family.
He also had a talent for carving and did not go anywhere without his pocketknife. As a devoted member of South McComb Baptist Church he served as a Deacon, was active in the Hollywood Sunday school class, enjoyed Thursday night suppers with “The Secret Society”, and was always eager to lend a helping hand around the church. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Esplanade Gardens in San Antonio, TX and the special people at Kindred Hospice in San Antonio, TX.
Pallbearers will be the Deacons from South McComb Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Rayford Roy Kirkland may be made to South McComb Baptist Church, 340 24th St., McComb, MS 39648.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
