George Parham Kirkland, Jr. of San Antonio passed away on October 21, 2011, at the age of 76. He was born in Beeville, Texas to George and Mabel Kirkland Sr. His childhood years were spent in Beeville. In 1941, George's father left home to serve his country in WWII, and he did not return until the war's end in 1945. During those years, George Jr. and Mabel lived with his Aunt Janet and cousins Jeannie and Robert Morse, who were like siblings to him.
During his teen years, the family moved to San Antonio where George graduated from Thomas Jefferson HS in 1953. He earned a BS in psychology from Trinity University in 1959, and was in the ROTC throughout college. In 1960, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and was stationed in Germany, where he attained the rank of Captain in the military police. While in Germany, he met Sandra Knight and they married in 1961. After their first child Laura was born, they relocated to Texas. Lisa and Scott were born in San Antonio, where George and Sandy ultimately raised their family.
George was a founding member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and it was there that many lifelong friends were made. He treasured singing in the church choir, at St Thomas and St Helena's in Boerne. George was very passionate about the things he loved, which included his family, church, music (especially opera and classical), reading (voraciously), holidays, Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn football, cats, dogs, gallons of coffee, steak, and last but not least, ice cream. For George, life was a feast!
He retired from Jordan Ford after more than 20 years in sales. He was past president of San Antonio Liederkrantz German choral society, executive producer and singer in numerous Gilbert and Sullivan operetta productions for St. Thomas Player’s fundraisers, a member of the SonShine Singers, and a devoted Episcopalian.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel Kirkland Sr. and his wife of almost 50 years, Sandra Knight Kirkland, and his beloved grandfather, Dr. L.W. Kirkland. He is survived by his children Laura Boes (Gary) of Giddings, Lisa Parks (Kelly) of Boerne, and Scott Kirkland also of Boerne, as well as grandchildren Melanie and Victoria Hyman, Katie and Emily Parks, Erin and Alix Boes, and numerous cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held at St. Helena's Episcopal Church at 410 N. Main St., Boerne, Texas on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at 3:00 p.m., with inurnment with military honors immediately following in the prayer garden. Honorary pallbearers are Rodney Bauer, Richard Robles, Bud Hubbard, Johnny Galloway, Kirky Kirkland, Perry Kirkland, Dr. Stu Myers, Dr. Rod Haff and Col. Bill Harden (Ret.).
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of The Heights of Huebner Nursing Home especially Sandra, Kim and Richard for their superb and compassionate care, to Odyssey Hospice, especially Maria and also Chaplain Edward for his comfort and prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George's name to SonShine Singers at 40 High Crescent, San Antonio, TX 78257, The Wounded Warrior Project at www.wounedwarriorproject.org or call 877-832-6997, or St. Helena's Episcopal Church choir at PO Box 1765, Boerne, TX 78006. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select the Obituaries tab. "What is the legacy of a father's life but the love and values left behind in the hearts of his children?"
Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.