Robert "Bob" Kirkland, 88 of Athens, TN went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at NHC Health Care of Athens. Bob was a devoted member of Coghill Baptist Church where he served as choir leader for many years; he served in the US Army from December 1945 to July 1946. He was a son of the late Columbus and Julie Ann Williams Kirkland. Preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Margaret "Nell" Kirkland of Athens; 3 brothers, Luther Kirkland of Delano, Reed and Buster Kirkland of Michigan; 3 sisters, Emma Ware of Cleveland, Lila Harris of Coghill Community and Nona Mae Carter of Delano, TN; and 1 son, Dewey Kirkland of Benton.

Survivors include his daughter, Joyce Johnson of Athens, TN; 2 sons, Bobby Kirkland of Athens, TN, and Gary Kirkland of California; daughter-in-law, Joann Kirkland; granddaughters, Joy, Susie and Brandy; grandsons, Seth, Kevin and Jeremy; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; approximately 150 cousins and many special friends and neighbors.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Coghill Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Hatcher officiating. Interment will follow service to Coghill Cemetery. Family will receive friends Monday, April 6, 2015 in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer society, C/O Faye Forgety, 120 County Road 447, Athens, TN 37303.