Rodney Kirkland

Services for Rodney Edward Kirkland will be held Saturday, August 11,2018, at 2 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Cliff Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Vardaman Cemetery in Kemper County. Visitation will be Friday, August 10, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.  Rodney Edward Kirkland passed away at his home on August 7, 2018, after a brief battle with cancer.  Rodney was born in Neshoba County on March 24, 1930, to Elmer and Pearl Brantley Kirkland.  He married his sweetheart, Mildred Jenkins, on his 21st birthday.  They were happily married for 67 years. Known around his community as a jack of all trades who could do anything, Rodney enjoyed working in a variety of areas.  He was a carpenter, pulpwood hauler, painter, and truck driver before retiring in 1992.  He loved dogs and was an avid hunter and dog trader.  He was also an excellent musician who loved to play his guitar. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Reba McKinnion; and brothers, W.A. “Dub” Kirkland, Ross Kirkland, Jim Kirkland, Robert Kirkland, and Wallace Kirkland. Rodney is survived by his wife, Mildred Jenkins Kirkland; daughter, Tammy Shumaker; son-in-law, Reggie Shumaker; grandchildren, Adam Shumaker and Faith Shumaker, all of Philadelphia;  sister, Mary (Freeman) Rushing of Escatawpa; and brothers, Otha (Millie) Kirkland of Theodore, Al, and Gene (Charlotte) Kirkland of Lucedale.Pallbearers are Shelby Anthony, Jones Brantley, Robert Gray, Robie Jenkins, David Jenkins and Homer Jenkins.