Mr. Bobbie Lee Kirkland, Sr. "Skeeter", 72, was the first-born son of the late Robert and Mildred Joyner Kirkland. He was a 1964 graduate of Paisley High School and was extremely proud to continue and complete his education at Winston-Salem State University. After graduating Paisley High School, Bobbie joined the US Navy. He served as a rank of E4 - Gunner's Mate (technician) Petty Officer 3rd Class from August 1963 until his honorable discharge in July 1967. He proudly served on the USS Independence (CVS -62) and received the National Defense Service Metal. Bobbie worked for R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, retiring after 39 years of service, and worked an additional five years under contract. Always interested in staying busy, Bobbie went to work as a sample chef for Sam's Club in Winston-Salem. Bobbie was a longtime member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where he attended until his health failed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Williams Kirkland; his daughter, Mildred K. Horne; grandson, Tyrone Horne, Jr.; two brothers, Robbin Joe and Frankie Kirkland; and a sister, Kimberly K. Smith.

Memories of Bobbie will be cherished by his daughters, Jeneene and Tiffany Kirkland; one son, Bobbie, Jr.; one granddaughter, Amber Horne; a grandson, Kahlil Kirkland; a great-grandson, Konye Speas; one great-granddaughter, Kayla Speas; his sister, Tammy Kirkland; one uncle, Douglas Joyner; an aunt, Barbara Joyner Carson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of Bobbie's life will be held at 12:30pm Friday, October 19, 2018 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:30pm on Friday at the Church.

The family would like to thank the medical professionals at the Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for their compassion and care of Bobbie.