Ozzie Kirkland

Ozzie Kirkland, Jr., affectionately known as Junior, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018 in Columbia, S.C. He was born September 24, 1953 in Sylvania, GA and is predeceased by his parents, Ozzie Kirkland, Sr. (grandparents William and Jesse Kirkland) and Ossie Mae Taylor Kirkland (grandparents Clifford and Almonia Brady Taylor) and his brother Moses Kirkland. He graduated from Screven County High School in 1971 where he was a star athlete and where many of his athletic trophies remain on display. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sheryl Ann Ward-Kirkland; daughters Sheraka T. Kirkland (known to her father as Pookie) of Columbia, SC; and Tameka C. Watts (known to her father as Tammy or Red) and son Curtis D. Watts of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren Alyssa D. Watts and Kavone Tyre Barin Kirkland; brothers Marvin Kirkland of Sylvania, GA and Jesse Kirkland (Sonja) of Jacksonville, NC and sisters Glenda Martinez and Lala Bell Kirkland Anderson (Hullie) of Sylvania, GA; a special loving niece Lyssa Ja’Noria Warren of Sylvania, GA; two cousins dear to his heart, Mary Helen Kirkland Scott of Savannah, GA and Lila Kirkland Coles of Sylvania, GA; and a host of brother and sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and coworkers and friends.

Ozzie lost his father at a young age and as the oldest of six children, he assumed the fatherly role and raised his siblings. He loved any outdoor activity, but mostly enjoyed football and baseball games. He was a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan and was once offered an opportunity to tryout as a pitcher. He was a volunteer firefighter and was known for his hard work and deep love of the community. Ozzie was known for telling funny stories of adventure to his children, nieces and nephews that they continue to share today.  Most importantly, Ozzie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and he loved his family beyond any measure and always strived to do the right thing for them. When many of his family, friends, and co-workers learned of his passing, the consistent statement everyone made was, “Ozzie was a good man.”  He will be deeply missed by everyone that knew and loved him.   

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