Wayne Bernard Kirkman

Wayne Bernard Kirkman, 84, of Pleasant Garden, left this world on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, at Wesley Long Hospital. He battled many health issues in his lifetime, especially in the past year, but he fought hard to stay here with those who loved him.

Wayne was born in Pleasant Garden on May 13, 1939 to the late Charles Floyd and Blanche Monnett Kirkman. He graduated from Pleasant Garden High School in 1957, where he was a four sport athlete, a school bus driver, and was voted Most Athletic.

He began a career in ceramic tile in 1957, and became a certified tile mechanic, taking great pride in his work – it had to be perfect. In 1959, he enlisted and served in the US Army until 1965, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant E5, and reverted to the National Guard for an additional 2 years. In 1985 he went to work for the Pleasant Garden Post Office and retired as a Rural Carrier after 19 years of service in 2004.

Wayne was also a lifelong farmer, learning a love for the land from his father and grandfather. Over the years he raised corn, wheat, soybeans, tobacco and beef cattle. His ‘shop’ saw many friends gathered to solve machinery problems and discuss farming strategies and sometimes just to visit. It has been said that if Wayne Kirkman couldn’t fix it, it couldn’t be fixed.

Wayne was known for his sense of humor and love of teasing, his adventurous spirit, being silly with his kids and grandkids (including jumping on trampolines, swinging upside down, or climbing trees), his creativity and ability to build with metal, generosity and willingness to help anyone at any time, skill as a farmer, both in tending the land he loved so dearly, and in growing huge vegetable gardens to share with friends and neighbors, and his gift of being able to fix anything – machinery, tractors, vehicles, or household items. His kindness, humility, amazing work ethic, determination and love for his family and friends will continue to be a blessing to all those who knew him.

Wayne was a lifelong member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Climax, NC. He was a member of the United Methodist Men and more recently participated in Missions trips to repair houses after coastal flooding. He was instrumental in Missions Team efforts, building ramps and railings for those in need throughout the community.

Wayne met his wife, Ruby Shoffner Kirkman, at a sock hop at Pleasant Garden Gym in 1961. They married on February 24, 1965 at Bethlehem UMC, and spent 58 wonderful years together. Wayne encouraged Ruby throughout their lives, especially in her loves of art, sewing, knitting, cooking and gardening. He was an incredibly caring daddy to his son and daughter, giving advice, offering help, and loving them above all.

In addition to his wife, Wayne is survived by his daughter, Sharon Kirkman Hill (Russell); grandchildren, Kaila Hill Riggins (Cole), Ethan Hill and Rachel Hill; son, Alan Wayne Kirkman (Myra Cody); grandchildren, Dustin Bivens (Ali), Allison Kirkman, Riley Hopkins; sister, Shirley Hackett; sister-in-law, Betty Shoffner Kirkman; brother-in-law, Barry Shoffner (Debbie); brother-in-law, Steve Frazier; and many extended family members.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday, May 26th from 3-4 pm at Bethlehem UMC. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 26th at 4:15 pm at Bethlehem UMC, officiated by Pastor Joseph Fulk, III; burial will follow in church cemetery. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, memo: Missions Team, 6103 Appomattox Road, Climax, NC 27233; or Southeast Guilford High School FFA, 4530 SE School Road, Greensboro, NC 27406.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.

Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty is honored to serve the Kirkman family.