LANCASTER, SC – Mr. John Benjamin Kirkland, age 72, passed away, Sunday, February 9, 2025 at MUSC-Lancaster. He was born May 9, 1952 in Lancaster, SC, the son of the late Benjamin Milton Kirkland and the late Ruth Ghent Kirkland.

Mr. Kirkland is survived by his two daughters, Toni K. Stallings (Gary), and Lori K. Turner; his three grandchildren, Bailey Stallings, Riley Turner, and Jaxon Turner; his niece, Leslie Lloyd (Billy), and their children, Madison Lloyd, and Max Lloyd (Grace).

He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Ruth Kirkland; and his sister, Brenda Kirkland Wood.

Mr. Kirkland loved raising his German Shepherds, and he cherished the companionship of his pets throughout his life. He is survived by his 7-year-old German Shepherd, Lucky, who brought him comfort and company in his later years.  He was a devoted "hummingbird whisperer" as he lovingly cared for hundreds of hummingbirds in his yard over the years. He found joy in feeding all birds and watching them from his sliding glass door. Though Mr. Kirkland was a quiet man who valued his privacy, his love for his daughters was immeasurable. They were his greatest treasure, and he will be deeply missed by them both.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 2:00 pm Friday, February 14, 2025 at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Patrick Clark. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service at Burgess Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Community Mental Health Administration, 448 Lakeshore Parkway, Suite 205 Rock Hill, SC 29730.