James Reed Kirkland

(Feb. 18, 2013)

James Reed Kirkland (J.R.) of Sweetwater, passed away at 4:52 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, at home. He retired from Monroe County Highway Department and was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.

He was 85.

Preceded in death by: wife, Lillian (Bootsie) Kirkland; sons, Robert Ray and Kenneth Olen Kirkland; parents, Fred and Edna Lankford Kirkland; brothers, Charles, Gene and Troy Kirkland.

Survivors include: daughters and son-in-law-Bobbi Russell, Sharon and David Harris and Micki Giles of Madisonville;

Sons-Dale Kirkland and Jerry Dan Kirkland of Sweetwater;

Grandchildren-Brian Russell, Cheryl Edwards, Letisha Cummings, Misty Kirkland, Jessica Forbes and Ronnie and J.J. Kirkland;

Nineteen great-grandchildren;

Two great-great grandchildren;

Brother and sisters-in-law-Everett and Joyce Kirkland of Dickson; Osa Kirkland and Pearl Kirkland, both of Madisonville;

Special niece-Debbie Farris of Sweetwater;

Special friend-K.D. Moser;

A host of friends at the Checkered Flag.

Funeral services will be  8 p.m., Wednesday in Biereley-Hale Chapel, with Rev. Steve Teague and Rev. Tommy Self officiating. Interment will be 1 p.m., Thursday, in Oak Grove Baptist Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.