Arnold Kirkland

Arnold Douglas "Kirk" Kirkland, age 89, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2011. A native of Swain County, he was a son of the late John Wesley and Sarah Tiney Wiggins Kirkland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Emila Kirkland Patton. Arnold was a United States Army veteran of World II and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was in the 30th Infantry Division and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a POW. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Lexie Jane Smith Kirkland; three daughters, Meritha Jackson-Corzine and her husband, Doug, of Candler, Merceidth Bell and her husband, Joe, of Canton, and Eloine Kirkland of Candler; grandchildren, Scott Jackson, Wes Bell, and Lindsey Robinson; great-grandchildren, Collin, Holly, Patrick, Daniel, and Rhiannon; and his faithful pet, Vanessa. A private family service will be held and officiated by the Reverend James Hart. Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice Memorial Fund – Home Care, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813 or to Mission Foundation Cancer Center Campaign, 980 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803.