Louis Edward (Buddy) Kirkland
On July 15, 2018, Louis Edward (Buddy) Kirkland, born October 30, 1935, in Hillsboro, Texas to A. J. and Loree Kirkland, passed away after a lengthy illness of Parkinson related illnesses. He was at home surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death.
He is preceded in death by his son, Louis Anthony (Tony) Kirkland, parents Rev. A. J. and Anna Loree Kirkland, sisters; Helen Marie Harry, Jerry Wynell Swilling, and one brother Rev. James A. Kirkland. Sister-in-law Dorothy McLaren and brother-in-law Douglas Little.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Margie Faye Little Kirkland, daughter Kimberly Kay Payton, husband, Todd. Grandchildren, Brandy Nicole Wyers, Megan Loree Cazares, husband, Elias, Ashley Michele Armbrester, husband Kevin, Christopher Todd Payton, Michael Hunter Payton and three great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. Sister-in-law Joann Kirkland, brother-in-law Charles Swilling, and many nieces and nephews.
Buddy graduated from Henderson High School in Henderson, Texas where he met his sweetheart, Margie Little who became his wife. He spent two years in the United States Army, eighteen months of that time was spent in Japan. When he returned, he and Margie were married.
After a short time, they moved from Henderson, Texas to Galveston County, where they lived for their remaining years. He worked for Smith Douglass Chemical and Amoco Refinery for a total of 40 years.
Buddy loved doing small woodwork. He had a shop in the backyard when he lived in 
Texas City. It was pretty much his second home. He loved fishing but that took second place to his woodwork.
Buddy’s love of southern gospel music was very strong. He and his wife traveled after retirement and when they could, would drive to Louisville, Kentucky for a week of gospel music. He sang gospel music, usually southern gospel, at his church. At the time of his death, he was a member and deacon at Baker Drive Baptist Church in Dickinson, Texas.
Family will receive visitors at Crowder Funeral Home at 851 FM 517 W. in Dickinson, TX on Thursday, July 19, 2018, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM. A private family burial will take place at Forest Park East at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Buddy can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or a charity of your choice.
My deepest sympathy to the Kirkland family. When I went through the loss of my father a scripture that brought me comfort is Isaiah 41:10. There God implores us to not be anxious because he is with us and assures us, “I will really hold on to you with my right hand. ” May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time. ( 2 Cor. 1: 3,4)
I remember Buddy and Margie when they were foster parents for Galveston County CPS. They were devoted, loving temporary parents to many, many children. Furthermore, they were patient and kind to the caseworkers in and our of their home; me being one of them. I know Buddy will be missed. Sending condolences to Margie and family. Lovingly, Trudy Deen Davis
Buddy and Margie were kind and loving parents to many children in the custody of Galveston County CPS. They provided wonderful care to many children and patient with the many caseworkers in and out of their home. I will remember how kind they were to caseworkers such as myself! I know Buddy will be missed! Sending condolences to Margie and family
Sending sincere condolences to Margie and family. My family, Robert, Phyllis and daughters, knew Buddy from Smith and Douglas and Amoco. The families from Smith and Douglas were unique because the plant was so small that the families always knew each other and were very close. Buddy is now at peace in God’s hands.