Bobby Kirkland

Canton - Bobby Eugene "Gene" Kirkland, 78, passed away on Wednesday, April 04, 2018 at CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Charles Eugene and Lorena Dolly Payne Kirkland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Kirkland. Bobby was retired from Champion International and was a member of Canton Wesleyan Church. He loved fishing and was the lead guitar with the Southern Express Country Music Band. He was a faithful prayer warrior.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gerlene Tilson Kirkland; one daughter, Melanie Kirkland / Freddy Keilman; a sister, Judith Ann Kirkland Clark; and a brother, Michael Jerome Kirkland, all of Canton.

A private family interment will be held and a public Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

The care of Mr. Kirkland has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com