Claude Dickinson Kirkland, Jr.

Claude Dickinson Kirkland, 80, husband of Laura Strickland Kirkland, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Tidelands Community Hospice House. Mr. Kirkland was born December 3, 1934 on the 200 year old family farm in Ehrhardt, SC. He was the son of the late Claude Dickinson Kirkland, Sr. and Lillian Barker Kirkland. Mr. Kirkland became a member of First Baptist Church in 1953 and was a member and past president of the Lide Williams Sunday School Class. He was a 1953 graduate of Winyah High School, a 1957 graduate of Clemson University, where he earned a degree in engineering and a graduate of Appalachian State where he earned a double master’s degree in Education. While at Clemson he was on the track team, Senior Platoon and the Persian Rifle Team. Mr. Kirkland worked as an Engineer in Gastonia, NC and Gaffney, NC for several years. After returning to Georgetown, Mr. Kirkland started teaching at Winyah Junior High School. He later served as the principle at Winyah Junior High School and Beck Middle School. After retirement, Mr. Kirkland was a golf coach for Georgetown High School. He was a member Three County Golf, Georgetown Jaycees and the Sons of Confederate Soldiers. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Laura Strickland Kirkland of Georgetown; one son, Claude D. “Tres” Kirkland, III and his wife Ginger of Shallotte, NC; two grandchildren, Libby Nichols and Cooper Michael Kirkland both of Shallotte; a brother in law, W.S. “Smitty” Strickland, Jr. of Columbia; and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Ted Sherrill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church parlor. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 219 Cleland St. Georgetown, SC 29440, Shriners Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607 or to Tidelands Community Hospice House, 2591 N. Fraser St. Georgetown, SC 29440. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Tidelands Community Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Mr. Kirkland. Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242