Melvin Kirkland

Melvin J. Kirkland VIRGINIA BEACH - Melvin Joseph Kirkland, born March 22, 1963 in Tampa, Fla., passed away Sept. 18, 2009, in Mangilao, Guam. Upon graduating high school in Gainesville, Fla., he joined the United States Navy. He excelled in all endeavors with the U.S. Navy while having a successful tour of duty. Upon retiring from the U.S. Navy, he then was a civil servicemen for the U.S. Navy. Mel was an avid fisherman always after the big catch. Although his life was short lived in many eyes, he didn't leave without touching many lives and always was a selfless person. He was a loving husband, son, dad, and friend who will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Anita Kirkland; mother, Mary Lee Kirkland of Gainesville, Fla.; brother, Michael Scott Kirkland; grandmother, Reba Edmark, both of Gainesville, Fla.; son, Robert Swickard of San Diego; daughter, Mary Kinley and husband Larry of Oklahoma City, Okla.; daughter, Catherine Joella Kirkland of Samar, Philippines; granddaughter, Hannah Lynn Swickard of Virginia Beach; granddaughter, Taylor Kinley of Oklahoma City; grandson, Brady Philip Swickard of Suffolk; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Memorial services will be held at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel in Virginia Beach on Saturday, Nov. 28; services will begin at 11 a.m. Previous services were held at San Agustin's Funeral Home in Harmon, Guam on Oct. 8, 2009. Our God is a Loving God, Our God is a Forgiving God.