Mr. Tillman Vide Kirkley Sr., 89, of Hamlet, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at his residence.
He was born Aug. 24, 1934 in Richmond County, son of the late Herbert Lee Kirkley Sr. and Jewell Lyde Kirkley.
A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Vide was a laid-back, soft-spoken and kind man that loved his large family, enjoyed helping people and never left without a hug and saying he loved you.
Vide graduated from Hamlet High School in 1955, where he was a three-sport all-star athlete. He carried his love of sports into his adult life where he coached kids of all ages in baseball and basketball. He thoroughly enjoyed going to ballgames, especially if his kids or grandkids were playing or cheering, and you could often find him at Raider football games on Friday nights with his brothers. Vide was also a fan of the UNC Tar Heels and the Atlanta Braves.
Vide loved being outdoors and caring for his yard, spending hours getting it just right. He loved the forty-two years he worked as a Carman with Seaboard Coastline and CSX Railroad. He found enjoyment talking about trains and his work.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Herbert Kirkley, Lum Kirkley, Harrison Kirkley and twin brother Clyde Kirkley; sisters, Vivian Lynch, Jewell K. Cooper and Gertrude Hicks; stepchildren, Debi Hardy and Jeff Willett.
Vide is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Sadler Kirkley of the home; sons, T.V. “Bubba” Kirkley Jr. (Tammy) of Rockingham, Robbie Kirkley (Teresa) of Hamlet, Randy Kirkley (Samantha) of Rockwell and Ricky Kirkley of Charlotte; stepchildren, Telena Haywood (John) of Mount Gilead and Bruce Willett (Janice) of Hamlet; grandchildren, Brandon Kirkley (Emily), Brandi Kirkley Myers (Chris), Jason Foster, Heath Kirkley (Meghann), Hunter Kirkley, Brittney Gunn (Taylor), Austin Kirkley, Chris Willett (Jenny), Ben Willett, Mandy Bear (Mike), Aaron Marlowe (Catherine), Corey Willett (Paige), Tray Willett, Katelyn Oramus (Ralph) and Chase Haywood (Selena); 19 great-grandchildren; and brother, James Kirkley of Hamlet.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Grace Fellowship Church, Rockingham, with Pastor Roger Webster officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service from 2-3 p.m.
The family requests memorials be made in Vide’s memory to: Grace Fellowship Church, 217 Midway Road, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Kirkley family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
