Kirkman

Jerry William Kirkman, 82, died Thursday, October 22, at his home in Wingate, after a battle with cancer, surrounded by his wife and three children. He was born July 22, 1933 in Kernersville, North Carolina. After high school graduation, he enjoyed a short stint playing minor league professional baseball and then served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. New Jersey for four years during the Korean War and played on the ship’s baseball team. In 1954, he married Elaine Pierce and went on to attend Wake Forest University and High Point University, where he graduated in 1960 with a B.S. in Physical Education and Social Studies.
After serving as Assistant Director of the YMCA in Albemarle, he accepted the position of Director of Student Activities at Wingate University, which he held for four years. In 1968, he joined the faculty of Sun Valley High School, where he taught vocational education and coached varsity baseball.
In 1972, he was named Maintenance Director of the Union County School System and remained in that position until he retired in 1994. While maintenance director, he was active at the local, state and national levels, serving in various positions, including state president of the N.C. School Maintenance Association, and was named maintenance director of the year in 1991.
A passionate baseball enthusiast for over 73 years, he was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan. For many years, he coached Wingate Babe Ruth youth teams and played men’s recreational softball until age fifty. He enjoyed researching family genealogy, photography and travel, and since 1965 has been a member of Wingate Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher and lifetime deacon. Throughout his life, he loved to sing and to listen to music, especially when performed on the piano by his beloved wife. He deeply cherished the friends he made in the Wingate community, as well the ones who have remained in his life across the decades.
Earlier this year, he was preceded in death by his brother, Worth Kirkman, of Phoenix, Arizona.
In addition to Elaine, his wife of 61 years, he is survived by three children: Bill Kirkman (Lesa Parker Kirkman) of Waxhaw; Jan Kirkman Kenley (Forrest Kenley) of Indian Trail; Tim Kirkman (Drew Barr) of Los Angeles; and four grandchildren: Kyle Kirkman, Alexis Kirkman, Justin Kenley and Lauren Kenley; and a nephew, Rick Kirkman (Sukey Kirkman) of Phoenix, Arizona.
Visitation will take place at 1:30 PM on Saturday, October 24, at the Wingate Baptist Church, followed by a service at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary. A private burial will follow at the Wingate Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Wingate Baptist Church or to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, PO Box 14608 Greensboro, NC 27415 or online: https://www.chsnc.org/DonateToday.aspx.
Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112, is caring for the Kirkman family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.