Virgil Lee Kirkland, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 8, 2026. Born on August 11, 1932 in Edgecombe County, NC, Virgil was the son of the late Robert Leonard Kirkland and Nina Harris Kirkland. He graduated from Leggett High School before entering the Air Force. After marrying his longtime sweetheart, Leah Jean Weeks, the couple relocated to Jacksonville, NC, where Virgil worked as an electrician. There, they welcomed their first two children, Sara Jean and Virgil Lee, Jr. Later, they returned home to the family farm where their third child, Debra Sue, was born.

Virgil and Leah Jean were longtime members of William and Mary Hart Presbyterian Church. In addition to his involvement in church leadership, missions, and activities, Virgil sang tenor in the church choir. The children in the congregation remember him as "the candy man" because he frequently passed out mints, Smarties, and other little treats. Virgil was an avid golfer, reader, and lover of the Boston Red Sox. He loved spending time with his family - especially watching the great-grandchildren swim. He will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of seventy-two years, Leah Jean Kirkland, and his three children: daughter Sara Vaughan and Bill Howard of Halifax, son Virgil Lee Kirkland, Jr. and LuAnn Kirkland of Whitakers, daughter Debra Kirkland of Whitakers as well as his grandchildren: Christopher Vaughan and Rachel of Rocky Mount, Kristin Harkins and husband Robert of Whitakers, LeighAnn Champagne and husband Kevin of Whitakers, and Megan Kirkland King of Whitakers. Virgil was also blessed with four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Raymond, Cecil, Mildred, Augusta, Margaret, John, and Benjamin.

The family will receive friends and family Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 6PM until 8PM.

A Celebration of Virgil's life will be held Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11AM at the William & Mary Hart Presbyterian Church, Leggett, NC. The interment will follow funeral services in the Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to William and Mary Hart Presbyterian Church, 7657 NC-33 NW, Tarboro, NC 27886