Charles Ray Kirkland

Charles Ray Kirkland, 82, of Dallas passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021, with his wife, Rita Jenkins Kirkland, and daughters, Gina Thornburg and Marla Neely, by his side. Ray, an avid golfer, reader, and puzzle solver, spent his days serving and loving his family, especially his wife of 61 years. Ray was the biggest cheerleader of his five grandchildren by attending every dance concert, gymnastic meet, soccer and volleyball games, and track meets. His grandchildren, Kellyn Mylechreest (Edward), Wesley Thornburg, Caleb Thornburg, Ava Neely, and Emily Neely valued every minute Paw Paw Ray spent at their functions.

Ray was a member of the US Army from 1962-64 as a sharpshooter spending his time in the Surveying Division in Germany. When returning to the states, textile manufacturing continued to be Ray’s occupation of choice, which led to a long career as co-owner of M&K Industries, Inc. As a member of Flint Groves Baptist Church in Gastonia, Ray enjoyed his men’s Sunday School class and ushering weekly for Sunday morning services.

Ray is the son of the late Thomas Lee and Amanda Cloer Kirkland. Four brothers, four sisters, and a half-brother and half-sister have gone on before him. He is survived by his sister, Mamie Belle Smith and many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Ray’s Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Flint Groves Baptist Church at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends an hour before with a committal service with full military honors accorded by the United States Army following at War Memorial Gardens at Gaston Memorial Park.