David Earl Kirkland

David Earl Kirkland, age 71 of Glen St. Mary passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Hospital. David was born on December 18, 1949 in Punta Gorda to the late Bishop David H. and Minnie (Crews) Kirkland. He was a 1966 graduate of Baldwin High School and would join the United States Air Force to serve his country, as well as to see the world outside of Florida. He would serve as an Aviation Aerial Photographer in Vietnam. He was last stationed at Robins Air Force Base, where he would meet the "girl of his dreams" while attending church. He would marry Ms. Wanda on June 10, 1972 and together they would spend nearly fifty years. David would go on to dedicate thirty years to CSX Transportation, working as a conductor before retiring. Mr. Kirkland loved to interact with others, always cutting up and joking with friends and family. He was an avid fisherman and was always looking forward to his next outing on his boat. He loved tinkering and was known to be a "master piddler".
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson: Tracy Earl Sweatt; and great-grand daughter: Blaire Elaine Davis.
He is survived by the "catch of his life", his sweetheart: Mrs. Wanda Kirkland of Glen St. Mary; daughters: Suriffa (James) Sweatt of St. George, LaBreeska (Alvin) Bargeron II of Macclenny, and Lisa (Ben) Lentz of South Carolina; grandchildren: Brooke (Markas) Davis, Tyler Sweatt, Shelby Combs, Aubrey Joseph, and EJ Joseph; great-grandchildren: Bentley Sweatt and Bayleigh Sweatt; brothers: Rev. Robert (Brenda) Kirkland and Jon (Barb) Kirkland; sisters: Ruth (Rev. Larry) Collins and Carole (Buck) Graham; as well as numerous extended family members.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Manntown Congregation Holiness Church. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church. Interment will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 22, 2021.
Hawke M.T. Forbes and H.M. "Hank" Forbes Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home are honored to assist the Kirkland family with the arrangements. "With Your Family In Mind". (904) 259-4600. Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net.
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