G.W. "Buddy" Kirkland

Graveside services for G.W. “Buddy” Kirkland, 85, of Lufkin will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Whitehouse Cemetery with Brother Cary Modisett and Brother Don Loftin officiating.

Mr. Kirkland was born February 9, 1932 in Angelina County, Texas to the late Mary Lucy (Franklin) and Grady Clifton Kirkland, and died Friday, November 3, 2017 at his residence.

Mr. Kirkland was a lifetime resident of Angelina County. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and retired from Lufkin Industries following 36 years of employment. Mr. Kirkland enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was an avid Houston Astros fan, and loved watching them win the World Series. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Congregational Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Johnnie Kirkland of Lufkin; sons, Grady W. Kirkland, Jr. and wife Mary of Tomball and Hubert Dale Kirkland and wife Pam of Lufkin; daughters, Loretta Graybill of Lufkin and Lisa Gaye Modisett and husband Ray of Huntington; granddaughters, Alison Thigpen and husband Kevin of Central, Crystal Reiter and husband Brad of San Augustine, Tara Kirkland of Tomball, Hope McKinney and husband Justin, and Haelee Steptoe and husband Blake, all of Huntington; grandsons, Todd Kirkland of Aurora, Colorado and Jacob Graybill of Lufkin; great-grandchildren, Abbee Thigpen, Brylee McKinney, Sadie Reiter, Layknn Steptoe, Landon Thigpen, and Cypress McKinney (due March 18, 2018); brother, Clifton Kirkland of Chicago, Illinois; sister, Alma Gene Havard and husband Lloyd of Lufkin; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Nolan McGee; grandson, Nolan Shelton “Bubba” McGee, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Austin McGee, Brandon Reiter and Shaina Reiter; sisters, Clara Coffey and Baby Daughter Kirkland; and parents-in-law, John and Minnie Griffin.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Graybill, Justin McKinney, Blake Steptoe, Todd Kirkland, Brad Reiter, Ray Modisett, and Kevin Thigpen.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Lenin Pinnamaneni, Dr. Pavan Pinnamaneni, and Harbor Hospice for their care of Mr. Kirkland.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.