James "Leon" Kirkland

James Leon Kirkland, age 65, of Tellico Plains went to be with the Lord, Sunday, May 23, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his dad, Junior Leon Kirkland; brother, Michael Lee Kirkland.

Leon was a member of Beaty’s Chapel Baptist Church of Tellico Plains for many years, he also enjoyed watching Shepherd’s ministry on tv. He was an avid guitar player in which he had his own band, Southern Pride. He enjoyed fishing and camping but most of all he loved spending time with his family.  Leon was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by son, Justin Kirkland; daughter, Heather Godley; grandchildren, Abby and Marshall Roark, Chloe, Jaxon and Jayden Kirkland; mother, Geraldean Kirkland; sisters, Linda Massingale, Karen Brown, Tina Abernathy Ivens and Krystal Rhinehart; brothers, Timothy and Richard Kirkland; several nieces and nephews; one special niece Kristi Abernathy (Terrence Standridge); and special sister-in-law Susan Kirkland.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 28, 2021 at Beaty’s Chapel Cemetery in Tellico Plains with Rev. Larry Walker officiating. The family request memorial donations be made to Myers Funeral Home, PO Box 132 Tellico Plains, TN 37385.