Willard Bruce Kirkland, age 72, of Reliance, TN peacefully passed on to heaven February 16, 2019 at the Tennessee State Veterans Home, Murfreesboro, TN. He was the only child of Paul and Pauline (Polly) Kirkland of Reliance, TN. He had been a resident at Humboldt (Jackson, TN) and Murfreesboro, TN State Veterans homes for the past three years and 11 months after being diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in early 2015.

Bruce was a devoted Christian. Bruce lived a simple life. He was a humble and kind person. He believed in helping others who were in need and he quietly helped those who were less fortunate than him. Though he lived alone for several years after the passing of his parents, God enriched his life through a circle of close family members and friends. In the early stage of his illness, he believed God would take care of him. God provided him with a home and excellent medical care during his illness at the Tennessee State Veterans Home. Bruce was a Vietnam veteran and proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Surviving close family includes two aunts; Minnie Price, Reliance, TN and Ruby Kerruish, Cleveland, TN. He will be sadly missed by extended family members who were very close to him and shared many good times and memories with him over the years. He will also be sadly missed by his ex-spouse with whom he shared a close, trusted and loving friendship for the past 49 years; Mildred Goforth Kirkland Wattenbarger, Reliance, TN who has monitored his Parkinsons disease treatment, encouraged him and supported him during his time of illness.

Funeral services with Military Honors will be Monday, February 18, 2019 at 12:00 pm at Higgins Funeral Home Benton, TN with Reverend Steve Jones officiating.

Family members will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment will follow immediately after the funeral service in Reliance Cemetery, Reliance, TN. Pallbearers are Scotty Price, Kendall Adams, Garrett (Junior) Dalton, Robert Cheek, Terry Satterfield and Justin Wilcox.

In lieu of floral arrangements, it is requested that family and friends bring to the funeral a small US flag to be placed on Mr. Kirklands grave after the burial.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Kirkland Family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.

Visitation
Monday, February 18th, 2019
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Higgins Funeral Home
6439 US-411,
Benton TN 37307
Funeral Service
Monday, February 18th, 2019
12:00 pm
Higgins Funeral Home
6439 US-411,
Benton TN 37307
Burial
Monday, February 18th, 2019
01:00 pm
Reliance Cemetery
Reliance TN 37369