Steven “Steve” Kirkman, 64
August 28, 1959 – May 25, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, “Pop”, brother, and friend, Steve Kirkman. He left us peacefully Saturday morning, May 25, 2024, at 8:55 AM at his home, surrounded by family and friends.
Funeral Services honoring the life of Steve will be at 3 PM Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Jesus Name Community Church in Walnut, MS, with longtime friends, Bro. Jesse Cutrer, Bro. Clay Hall, and Bro. Gary Porterfield sharing personal reflection, along with his brother, Bro. William Kirkman sharing memories, and Bro. Cory Porterfield delivering the message. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 9 PM Tuesday May 28, 2024, at Jesus Name Community Church and will continue 10 AM Wednesday until Service Time. Graveside services will follow in Christ Temple Apostolic Church Cemetery.
Born August 28, 1959, in Tippah County, Steve was the son of the late Dale and Will Ida Cook Kirkman. He was a graduate of Walnut High School and on July 3, 1980, he married his beloved wife, Sheryl Wilbanks Kirkman, who survives. Together, he and Sheryl planted their roots in the Walnut Community, where they built a family and raised their sons. He never shied away from work, as he was employed with BenchCraft, install dry wall, and working as a loader with Walmart Distribution Center, for twelve years, before his retirement. Steve was a firm believer in hard work and always provided for his family.
A Christan and Faithful member of Jesus Name Community Church, Steve’s favorite pastimes included horses, and sports, especially Mississippi State. Known, as Pop, to nearly every child in Walnut, his determination to others always went above and beyond. From helping others in the community, to sharing advice and hugs with all the kids in church, and never missing the opportunity to “cut up” or laugh with the folks he knew, Steve was a light in all of our lives. His dedication to his family rang above all, as he was the backbone, always offering a shoulder to cry on, words to guide them, and even during his sickness, a big smile to assure them everything would be okay. Steve fought a long hard fight but through it all he was always solid, being there for others. He was loyal, never letting his family, and community down. Lastly, he was faithful, knowing that his Lord and Savior, would be there to carry him through it all. Today, as we mourn the loss of such an exceptional man, who was our voice of reason, we find comfort in the words of Matthew 25:21, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy Lord”.
In addition to his wife, Sheryl Kirkman, those left to cherish his memories include, four sons, Joe Kirkman (Lauren), Jonathan Kirkman (Laken), Josh Kirkman, (Chrissy), and Justin Kirkman, one sister, Sonya Haynes (David), one brother, Bro. William Kirkman (Rhonda), twelve grandchildren, Summer, Addi, Zylah, Braxton, Zander, Bronx, and Blaikely Kirkman, Kye Wilbanks, Kayle Moore, Zadie Powers, Kerri Roberts, and Brian Piper, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
He is also preceded in death by his twin sons, Rusty and Dusty Kirkman.
Those serving as pallbearers will be his nephews, Chase Wilbanks, Alan Kirkman, Brian Kirkman, Matt Wilbanks, Daniel Kirkman, Kye Wilbanks, Patrick Wilbanks, Dustin Wilbanks, and Adam Wilbanks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Kirkman, Doug Kirkman, Kerwin Kirkman, Adam Kirkman, James Childers, Gaither Barnes, Jody Clark, Phillip Bates, and Richard Still.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Steve’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
