Richard Dean Kirkman, Sr.

Richard Dean Kirkman, Sr., passed away June 6, 2022, at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  Richard was born in Mt. Airy, NC, to Margaret Ruth Human Kirkman and Bobby Ray Kirkman on August 19, 1949.  He would jokingly tell people that since his mother was a Human that meant he was only one-half human.  He had a huge sense of humor and was always kidding around with the doctors and nurses.

Richard had many different careers during his lifetime most notably his work in computer technology.  He owned his own business and had been self-employed since 1997.  Richard was a devoted member of Dobson United Methodist Church serving on numerous committees until his health no longer allowed him to participate.  He loved singing in the choir and had a beautiful voice and a profound love for music.  Richard had many hobbies.  He wasn’t afraid to try anything…once.  His greatest past-time though was fishing.  It didn’t matter what the weather was like or how bad he felt any day was a good day for fishing.  Fishing relaxed him and gave him the opportunity to commune with God and nature.  Many good memories were made during fishing trips.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ruth Human Kirkman Ayers; stepfather, Roger Ayers; and his father, Bobby Ray Kirkman.  Richard is survived by his wife, Vicky Walker Kirkman, on September 12^th they would have celebrated their 35^th wedding anniversary; a daughter, Shannon Rena’e Kirkman Terry (Charlton); three sons, Richard Dean Kirkman, Jr. (Jessica), Gregory Dean Kirkman (Amanda) and Elliott Andrew Kirkman (Jacque); a sister, Lisa Ayers Barbeau (Eric); seven grandchildren, Christopher Kirkman (Alex), Courtney Kirkman Mosley (Zach), Connor Kirkman, Thomas Terry, Gracie Terry, Hunter Kirkman and Virginia Kirkman; one great-grandchild, Mason Kirkman, and one on the way; a special life-long friend, Leon Haynes “Hooligator Strong!”

Visitation will be held June 10, 2022, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Moody-Davis Funeral Home in Dobson, NC.  He only asked that family and friends gather to laugh and remember happy times and to spend time with their own families making memories.  And always take a kid fishing when you have the chance!  Memorials may be made to Cancer Services, Inc., 3175 Maplewood Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.