Jimmie Ray Kirkland

Jimmie Ray Kirkland, the beloved husband of Camille Kirkland of 56 years, entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia surrounded by loved ones.

Jimmie was born on January 17, 1945, to his parents, H.V. Kirkland and Ruth B. Kirkland. He was one of two sons.

Jimmie was a native to Greenback, Tennessee before his family moved to Evans, Georgia in 1948. He has called Evans, Georgia home ever since. He graduated from Evans High School

He worked as a welder for many years. Jimmie and his brother, Larry Kirkland, opened Kirkland Brothers Welding in 1963. He and his brother learned the craft of welding from their father H.V. Kirkland. Jimmie was a member of the Martinez Masonic Lodge #710 for 59 years and he honorably served in the United States Army. He was a member of the 319th Transportation Division during the Vietnam War, where we was awarded a Bronze Star. Jimmie was also a member of Scottish Rite.

He was a member of West Acres Baptist Church.

Outside of his passion for welding, Jimmie was an avid gun and knife collector. He also loved to cook and read. He is known for being a great instructor. Those who knew Jimmie knew he loved his family, his work, the Masonic Lodge, and his fellow Veterans. He was a man of few words, but his words always carried meaning, and when he spoke everyone listened.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his wife; Camille Kirkland, father; H.V. Kirkland, mother; Ruth B. Kirkland, and his brother; Larry Kirkland.

He is survived by his daughter Renee Combs (Brian Giles); his sisters Helen Partridge (Thomas) and Phyllis Smith (Mike); his grandchildren Hannah Primrose, Hunter Cowell, and Holden Combs; his sister-in-law Catherine James; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Clinton Harris, Steve Purvis, Milton Stienberg, A.C. Wiley, Dave Pierson, and James Pope. Honorary Pallbearers are the Martinez Masonic Lodge, the 319th Veterans, and the Eastern Stars.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society and the VFW, the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Platt’s Funeral Home in Evans, Georgia. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 12:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, with Rev. Larry Harmon officiating. Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements were entrusted to Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.