Billy R. Kirkland

BILLY R. KIRKLAND

Billy Ray Kirkland, 77, of Newville, Ala., passed away peacefully Thursday, May 15, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Mr. Kirkland was born March 10, 1948, in Webb, Ala., to the late Lillie Mae McNeil Kirkland and Hughey Earl Kirkland. He was a member of the Houston County High School Class of 1968. He married the love of his life, Joanne Towns Kirkland, March 6, 1970.

After 35 years as a commercial truck driver, he retired with more than a million miles travelled accident free, winning numerous safety awards. He loved hunting, fishing, cooking and sharing meals with his family, friends and neighbors. He was a wonderful storyteller who thoroughly enjoyed entertaining others whether in-person or during one of his frequent phone calls to those he cherished. He was a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Hosea Earl Kirkland and Bobby Gene Kirkland; and a brother-in-law, Mike Towns.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne; a daughter, Michelle Kirkland Smith (Jackie); two sons, Jason Aron Kirkland (Deana) and Jonathan Edward Kirkland (Krystal); all of Newville; a sister, Elizabeth Dialane Temples; three sisters-in-law, Lisa Towns, Sue Kirkland, and Jackie Kirkland; one brother-in-law, Bill Towns (Eilene); four grandsons, Jacob Smith (Libby), Johnathon Smith (Cassandra), Ethan Kirkland and Brody Combs; four granddaughters, Jacklyn Smith, Haley Kirkland, Avery Kirkland, and Zoey Combs; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, with Reverend Mike Griggs officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Ararat Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. prior to the service.

Serving as pallbearers are David Kirkland, Jacob Smith, Johnathon Smith, Caleb Towns, Joshua Towns and Matthew Towns.

Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

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