Mr. John David “J.D.” Kirkland: Obituary

John David “J.D.” Kirkland, 77, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Sonshine Manor Personal Care Home, Ellijay, GA after an extended illness.

Born in Ellijay, Georgia, he was the second of eight children born to Dorothy Corn Kirkland who survives and the late John Kirkland. He was married to the late JoAnn Kirkland of South Miami, Florida.  J.D. retired from Florida Rock where he worked as a drag line operator for 39 years. He was of the Christian faith and trusted the Lord.  J.D was known for his enthusiastic positive attitude and he never met a stranger. J.D. loved to laugh and always had a smile on his face and joy in his heart.  He loved his family and friends and loved all people without reservation. He enjoyed helping others, fishing, carpentry, and gardening.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Brenda Kirkland, Ellijay, Ga; brother, Jim Kirkland, San Francisco, CA;  sisters and brothers-in-law, Brenda and Bill Parks, Ellijay, GA; Ginger Salle’, Canton, GA; Nanette and Ronald Knight, Ellijay, GA; Beverly and Tommy Prince, Ellijay, Ga; and Trish Kirkland, Duluth, Ga.  Also survive are his grandchildren, Crystal Perez, Larry Joe Kirkland and Matt Kirkland. Great-grandchildren, Alex Perez, Madison Perez, Tyler Kirkland, Aiden Kirkland, Macie Kirkland and Millie Kirkland. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends also survive. Preceding him in death is his sister Glenda K. Bridges and brother-in-law, Stephen Salle’.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday October 17, 2017 at the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Yukon Cemetery.