W. Thurmond Burnett                                                                    David T. Burnett

Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home

PO Box 389 – 801 Columbia Rd.

Edgefield, South Carolina 29824

Phone: 803-637-6536

Email: david@edgefieldmercantile.com

Roy Everette Kirkland, Sr. entered into rest on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. He was born December 22, 1934 in Johnston, SC to Shirley and Bessie Lou Kirkland. He was the devoted husband to Marina Waters Kirkland for 52 years until her death in 2009.

After graduating from Johnston High School in 1956 Roy began working with the United States Postal Service and then began work with the National Old Line Insurance Company based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1969 he became the Comptroller for the Edgefield County School District where he worked for twenty-six years until his retirement in 1995. Following retirement, he was co-owner of K&S Arbor Products. In retirement, he invented and received a patent for a special tree staking device. Roy also served in the South Carolina National Guard for twenty years until retiring as Master Sargeant. 

Throughout his life, Roy was an active leader in community and civic activities, serving as President of the Johnston Jaycees, and active member of the South Carolina Jaycees, founder of the Johnston Youth Basketball League, a member of the local Cotillion, and Chairman of the Board for the Edgefield County Senior Citizens Council. As a member of Johnston United Methodist Church, Roy was a member of the Wesley Bible Class, served as a Trustee of the Board and a member of the Finance Committee. He was a member of Persimmon Hill Golf Club, a regular participant in the weekly “Dog Fight” and played on the area Senior Golf Circuit. He was also an avid fisherman, gardener, and a strong role-model and father figure to numerous people throughout his life.

Roy is survived by his daughter, Valerie Kirkland Holmes, his son, Roy Everette (Tina) Kirkland, Jr., grandson, Marshall Kirkland Crocker, and great-grandson Kirkland Lee Crocker. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his wife, his sisters, Ruth Kirkland Brantley, Mary Kirkland Ford, and Elizabeth Kirkland Hawkins, and his brothers, James, Truedell, Julian, William Kirkland.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 9^th at 7:00 AM at Mount of Olives Cemetery in Johnston, SC. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are requested. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Johnston United Methodist Church, PO Box 186, Johnston, SC 29832.