Rock Hill, SC – Gerry Kirkland, 81, passed away on July 15, 2024 at his home.
Gerry was born June 22, 1943 in Muscatine, Iowa. He was the son of the late Paul Laverne Kirkland and the late Mary Elizabeth Kirkland. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Godske Kirkland; his children, Steffanie (Rench) Anglim and her husband Stephen Anglim, of Paso Robles, CA, Kevin Kirkland, of Kingwood, TX, Kara (Kirkland) Janowiak and her husband Alan Janowiak, of Downers Grove, IL and Peter Rench and his wife Teresa (Hamilton) Rench, of Mount Holly, NC; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Anglim) Miller and her husband Zach Miller, Sofia Anglim, Addison Kirkland, Collin Kirkland, Hayden Kirkland, Alan Janowiak Jr., Andrew Janowiak and Adam Janowiak; Great-Grandchildren Luke and Audrey; Sisters Bonnie (Kirkland) Browning, Karen (Kirkland) Franzen, and Marcia (Kirkland) Ekin and her husband Don Ekin; fur babies Max Bauer, Milo, Otis, Louie, Shiner, Rooster, Kozmo, Kingsley, Zoey, and Jaxson James Pawlick; and many nieces, nephews and their families.
Gerry was a man of many avocations. He was a business executive and leader in multiple industries over his career. With expertise in equipment for construction, forestry, agricultural, and material handling. Gerry was active in sports and civic organizations throughout his life, starting with baseball in college, water skiing with his family, and becoming an avid golfer later in life. He contributed to his communities, with his most active involvement through The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, where he was recognized for supporting state and National Drug Awareness, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for South Carolina and National Elks.
The family will have a Celebration of Life with Rev. Eddie Ramsey officiating, on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10am at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Rd., Rock Hill, SC. Followed by a short gathering. Those who wish, may join family and friends for a toast to Gerry, at Elks Lodge 1318, 535 Hollis Lakes Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Memorial service will be available for anyone to view via livestream on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10am EST at https://www.greenefuneralhome.net/covid-19-procedure/
Donations in Gerry’s memory may be made out to: “Elks National Drug Awareness Commission” and submitted directly to:
Bryan R. Klatt, Grand Secretary
2750 North Lakeview Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614-1889
https://secure.elks.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2420&2420.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T
Donations are fully tax deductible as the Elks National Drug Awareness Program is recognized as a 501(c) (3) Charitable Organization. EIN: 92-3006012
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net