MURFREESBORO – Mr. Dwight A. Kirkland, age 73, died at the Vidant Medical Center in Greenville on Thursday, May 17, 2012.

He was a native of Hertford County, growing up in and attending high school in Ahoskie. Mr. Kirkland graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson.  He was involved in the automotive industry for over thirty years.  Mr. Kirkland was an avid outdoorsman, as well as a Civil War history enthusiast. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Preceding him in death are his mother and father, Ruth and Elmo Kirkland; and his first wife, Elaine Kirkland.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Parker of Murfreesboro; two sons, Scott Kirkland and his wife Anne of Raleigh, and Stephen Kirkland and his wife Sarah Jane of Norfolk, VA; two step daughters, Rochelle Harrell of Ahoskie, and Ivy Mitchell and her husband Rob of Clayton; one step son, Carl Parker and his wife Emily of Lake Waccaamaw, NC; and one sister, Phyllis Roberts of Goose Creek, SC. Surviving are six grandchildren, Lainey Kirkland, Sophia Kirkland, Amanda Harrell, Carlee Mitchell, Camyrn Mitchell and Collin Parker.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Graveside memorial services will be conducted on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Aulander Cemetery in Aulander

The family will receive friends following the graveside service at the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Garrett-Jones Funeral Home of Ahoskie is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettjonesfh.com.