Edward "Ed" Arnold Kirkman, Sr.

Edward “Ed” Arnold Kirkman, Sr, age 80, of Gainesville, GA peacefully passed away on December 31, 2021 after a courageous battle against cancer. He was born in Okmulgee, OK to the Joseph and Evelyn Kirkman. He was also raised by his stepmother, Grace. He lived in various locations during his childhood due to his parent’s service in the Salvation Army Church. He attended Wicomico Senior High in Salisbury, MD but graduated from Southern High School in Baltimore, MD in 1960. He was joined in holy matrimony to his wife, Diana (nee Duncan), in 1962. Most of their marriage was spent in Salisbury, MD before relocating to Gainesville, GA in 1984. He enjoyed watching various sports, particularly the Florida Gators, woodworking, working on cars and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Evelyn and Dotty.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; sons, Edward A. Kirkman, Jr. and his wife Lorena of Gainesville, GA, and Christopher Kirkman and his wife Shawnna of Huntsville, AL; five grandchildren, Zachary, Hali, Megan, Kelsey, and Blake; his brother, Richard, of Prattville, AL; and several nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held for friends and family from 2:00 – 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2022 with a Memorial Service to follow at McDonald & Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, GA. The family would like to express our thanks for the care provided by Northside Hospital Forsyth and Pruitt Health Hospice of Gainesville.

In lieu of flowers, friends can donate to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, 415 Oak Street, Salisbury, MD 21804.