Obituary of Alfred Strayhorn Kirkland

Chapel Hill - Alfred Strayhorn Kirkland, 90, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2015 at Duke Hospice after an extended illness. Alfred was a man of great courage. He was born to Garland and Nonnie Kirkland on January 17, 1925. He enjoyed a happy childhood and loved to reminisce his childhood memories. Alfred graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1943. He entered into the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in WWII with the 337th Bomb Group. He was a flight engineer on B25s, medium bombers, and was selected for pilot training. Alfred attended pilot training school in Buffaloe, NY, achieving his pilot's wings. After discharge from the service, he continued his love for flying as a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol. Alfred attended North Carolina State University and became a life long Wolfpack fan. He worked for Tide Water Power in Morehead City and later made his career with the U.S. Postal Service. He retired in 1986. Alfred with his wife, Jane, built their home on family land in Chapel Hill. He loved riding his John Deer and kept fields and yard manicured. Alfred was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jane Collins Kirkland and four children: Karen K. Lynch (Steve), Keith D. Kirkland, Kathy K. Clifton, and Kay K. Sharpe (Charles). Also surviving are five grandchildren: Chasidy B. Kearns (Dan), Taya B. Skarda (Eric), Nicole Kirkland, Hardy Bobbitt (Melissa), Olivia Lynch, and five great grandchildren: Aidan Joseph Kearns, Alfred Tanner Kearns, Landon Hardy Bobbitt, Gregory Ryder Skarda, and Madilyn Grace Bobbitt. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Garland and Nonnie Kirkland and by his grandson, Daniel Lee Kirkland. A memorial service in Alfred's honor will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall after the service. The Kirkland family wishes to thank all the dedicated doctors and nurses at Duke Hospital for the care they gave and especially the staff at Duke Hospice who showed great compassion and respect. Memorials can be made in Alfred's honor to Duke Hospice, or to New Hope Camp and Conference Center.