Cleophas F. Kirkland, 85, of the Kirklands Creek Community went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Harris Regional Hospital.

A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late James Fearls and Annie Lee Huskey Kirkland. He was a U.S. Army Veteran having served in WWII and was a retired textile Maintenance Manager. He was chairman of the Deacon Board for 44 years at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruby Kirkland; two daughters, Sandra Smith and husband Randy of Bryson City, Barbara Bridges and husband James of Whittier; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Holly Springs Baptist Church of which he was a member. Revs. James Cook and Tim Barker will officiate with burial in the Holly Springs Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Bryson City VFW post 9281.

The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Crisp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.