HAMLET — William Clyde Kirkley Sr., “Popcorn”, 87, of Hamlet, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at Richmond County Hospice Haven.
He was born Aug. 24, 1934 in Hamlet, son of the late Herbert Lee and Jewel Lyde Kirkley.
Clyde graduated from Hamlet High School in 1955 and worked for CSX Railroad as a carman for 42 years.
On Dec. 21, 1957, he married Priscilla May Hawks and together they raised two sons, Billy and David.
Clyde enjoyed working in his yard, gardening and attending Richmond Raiders football games along with his brothers. Clyde, with his brilliant blue eyes and kind smile, was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was known to those who loved him as a hard worker, handyman and a bit of a prankster. He was proud of his sons and loved his grandchildren. His family, along with his late wife Priscilla, were the highlight of his life!
He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Lee Kirkley; his mother, Jewell Lyde Kirkley; wife, Priscilla Hawks Kirkley; brothers, Herbert Kirkley, Harrison Kirkley and Lum Kirkley; and sisters, Vivian Lynch and Gertrude K. Hicks.
Mr. Kirkley is survived by his sons, William “Billy” Clyde Kirkley Jr. (Darlene) of Hamlet and John David Kirkley (Wendee) of Bald Head Island; brothers, Vide Kirkley and Jimmy Kirkley, both of Hamlet; sister, Jewell K. Cooper of Charlotte; three grandchildren, Will Kirkley (Brittany), Katie K. Ray (Allen), and Kevin Kirkley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 from 11 a.m.-noon at Calvary Baptist Church, 406 McDonald Ave., Hamlet.
The Funeral Service will be at Calvary Baptist Church, following the visitation, at noon, with the Rev. Leon Hawks officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Memorial Park, Rockingham.
Masks and social distancing are requested for the services.
At other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Billy and Darlene Kirkley, 403 Wallace St., Hamlet.
Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Highway 1, Rockingham, NC 28379; or Calvary Baptist Church, 406 McDonald Ave., Hamlet, NC 28345.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Kirkley family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
