Elder Grady Kirkland

Elder Grady Kirkland Jr was born on July 28, 1959, in Welaka, Florida to the late Grady Kirkland Sr and Darlene Smith-Kirkland.

He received his education in Putnam County Public Schools, graduating in 1976 from Crescent City High School. He went on to receive his trade in Masonry in 1977 from Saint Augustine Technical Center.

He was a dedicated member of Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Ocala where he served on the Deacons’ Ministry and the Harvest Table Ministry.  

Elder Kirkland was employed by Ornamental Masonry, Inc of Ocala, Florida, after 20 years with the company, he retired as the lead supervisor. He loved cooking, fishing, serving others and the time he spent doing Street Ministry. He is also well known for his unconditionally love and wisdom he showed to many. 

Elder Kirkland was preceded in death by his sister: Cassandra Kirkland-Maxwell; Grandparents: Ed & Edna Smith; Aunt: Lorene Smith-Walker and best friend: Rev. Dr. Josephus Bynum Jr. 

He leaves to carry his legacy: His wife: Valarica Brooks-Kirkland; Daughter: Shaquita Kirkland; Bonus Children: Nichola Ricketts, Marie Brooks (Kim) and Ruth Gordon-Martin (Kwame); Bonus Sons: Deacon Joseph Sybons (Stacey) and Mernel Gayle; Grandchildren: Tyler Kirkland-LeCorn, Sa’Mya Braddock, Jeremiah Braddock; Bonus Grandchildren: Ariel Shipmen, Avery Shipmen, Avery Shipmen, Alexa Shipmen, Amari Graham, Aria Henderson, Marli Dilliard, Chrissy Fort, Zoey Martin and Zen Martin; Brothers: Gerald Kirkland and Reginald Nunn (Jennifer); Sisters: Gloria Jean Powell (Clarence), Shirley Rodriguez, and Barbara Hagins; Brother-n-law: Neville Brooks; Sisters-n-law: Fredricka Brooks, Judith Brooks and Annette Brooks, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 1:00 until 6:00pm at Summers Funeral Home, 2238 NW 10th Street, Ocala, Fl 34475.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 10:00am at Greater New Bethel Baptist Church, 612 NW 4th Place. Ocala, Florida, 34475.

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