Dan
Kirkland
December 12, 1950-
July 7, 2020
Seale, AL- Daniel A. Kirkland II of Seale, Alabama, died on July 7, 2020, under the compassionate care of his family and Columbus Hospice. Mr. Kirkland, son of the late Dan and Freddy Houston Kirkland, was born on December 12, 1950.
Mr. Kirkland graduated from Columbus High School in 1969. Under Coach Joe Sparks, he was chosen as a consensus All-American basketball player by Parade Magazine and others, and was the Orlando Sentinel and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year. He was also an All-State pitcher and shortstop. He played basketball for Auburn University before a career-ending knee injury and remained lifelong friends with Coach Larry Chapman. He was honored to have been inducted into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
After graduating from Auburn in 1974, he worked as an assistant golf pro at Bull Creek Golf Course under the legendary Hugh Royer, Jr., and later taught at River Road Elementary. He coached basketball and baseball at Chavala High School and Glenwood School. He also coached his children's championship teams in YMCA basketball and Dixie Youth baseball. Since 1986, he was a full-time cattleman and farmer.
Mr. Kirkland is survived by his wife of 46 years, Twila Rhodes Kirkland, his daughters Sallie Kirkland Paris (Jason) of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Annie Houston Kirkland (John Divers) of New York City, and his son Daniel Charles Kirkland (Dorothy) of Seale, Alabama; his sisters Donna K. Cantrell and Judy K. Whaley (Steve) and his brother Toby Kirkland (Ramona), all of Sevierville, Tennessee, along with his three beloved grandchildren Anna Katherine, Laura Elizabeth, and Evelyn Maxwell, and a host of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and infant son, Caleb Gilmore Kirkland.
In keeping with efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, a private memorial service for immediate family will be held. For those desiring to make a memorial gift in Dan's memory, the family suggests Columbus Hospice or The Endowment for Excellence, care of the CHS Alumni Association, PO Box 2187, Columbus, GA 31902-2187.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ledger-Enquirer from Jul. 9 to Jul. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan Kirkland

Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

15 Entries

Mary Talley

July 3, 2025

Twila, thinking of you today and all the happy memories of Dan

Mary Talley

July 3, 2023

Thinking of you Twila on the anniversary of Dan's passing. He will always be a part of our group of KD sisters...he was there at our Lake Martin reunion last May as we shared fond memories of our colleg days.

Tom Moore

July 3, 2021

Well Dan! It has been a year since you were called home by the Lord. Still tough to believe you have gone on. We are saddened but blessed that you were in our lives for a long time. As I enter my 70th trip around the sun I still recall the antics of our youth. I sit alone at times and reflect and burst into laughter all by my self as I relive good crazy memories. I know your family and close friends are doing the exact same thing. Blessings to your family and others as we live life to our fullest like You did.

Jimmy Motos

July 12, 2020

Extending sincere sympathies to the family during this most difficult time.

Debbie Sellers Durden

July 12, 2020

So sorry to hear about Dans death. It seems much to early . I guess only the good die young. Rest In Peace big guy.

Holli And Tim Browder

July 9, 2020

Twila, Sallie, Annie and Daniel we send our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. I will never forget his amazing personality as a kid and playing in games where he was watching. Great memories!!

Steve Wolke

July 9, 2020

Dan was one of the first people that I met as a walk-on for the 1971 Auburn freshman basketball team. He was a great basketball player but, more importantly, he was a great role model for me. For some reason he took me under his wing and made me feel welcome for which I am forever grateful. My condolences to his family.....RIP #33

Eddie Fox

July 9, 2020

For an individual that took his God given talents and excelled far beyond what most individuals ever achieve, Dan was one of the most humble and good natured individual I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our deepest condolences and love go out to Twila and family.

Tom Moore

July 9, 2020

Dan was my friend. The days of our youth will always be remembered fondly. The many stories will be told over and over by family and friends and will always bring a laugh and a thoughtful tear. He will be remembered as a giant of a man with a unique sense of humor and a strong love for family and all who knew him. Now the Lord and all of heaven will know the man we knew. Peace be with you buddy and peace to your family. See ya Dan!

Sonny Bridges

July 9, 2020

RIP old friend. I have known the family since our days at Johnson elementary school and playing baseball in Pony league. Donna, Judy, Toby , Twila and family will be in my prayers. Sorry for your loss.

Herb Franks

July 9, 2020

Dan made great memories from our days at CHS, and I was privileged to know Dan!
My sincere sympathy to Twila, and all of his wonderful family.

Alan Harbin

July 8, 2020

Twila , just wanted you to know how sorry I was to hear about Dan ! I met him when I was 9 years old , and will always think of him with great memories as a friend and in the sports we participated in together ! He was a great guy ! Many prayers for you and your family .

Mary Talley

July 8, 2020

My prayers and thoughts will be with Dans loving family. Twila, the two of you had many wonderful years and May those memories give you peace and joy. AOT

Cortney Griffin

July 8, 2020

Most amazing, kind hearted, father figure man in my life. All of my memories will truly be cherished. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I love yall!!

Holly Kirkland Jones

July 8, 2020

Love and prayers send to you all...

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