Charles William Kirkland

Charles William (Bill) Kirkland of Amarillo, Texas, passed at home on 2/16/18. Bill was born in Lebanon, Kentucky on 10/17/31. He enlisted in the Army and served four years. Bill joined 3rd Company as a Private First Class on 12/18/50 in a group of 80 Ranger trainees from 7th Airborne Ranger Company. When he left Camp Carson he was the Sergeant Aid Man (Medic) of 3rd Platoon. Bill was with 3rd Company continuously through assignment into 187th Airborne RCT. He served in Korea from 1951-1952 earning the Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Parachute Badge, Glider Badge, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Campaign Battle Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. Bill was honorably discharged from the Army in 1952 after his return from Korea. During the years Bill earned 95 credit hours towards a BS degree at State University of New York. In December of 1966 he met Rosemarie Francis at a Christmas party and they were married on February 8, 1967 six weeks later. That union endured for 51 years until Bills passing. They have two daughters Sandi and Vicki. In April of 1987 Bill retired with 31 years and 7 months of government service. He served in the following agencies: U.S. Air Force (After the Army) as Veterinary Technician (Food Inspector); U.S. Post Office as a Letter Carrier, U.S. Public Health Service as a Quarantine Inspector; U.S. Treasury Department as a Revenue Officer; and U.S. Department of Agriculture as an Agricultural Commodity Grader. He was also employed for 5 years with the Arizona Department of Revenue as a Revenue Officer. During their years together, Bill and Rosemarie lived in New York, New Jersey, Wyoming, Hawaii, Nebraska, Arizona and Texas. They also visited 48 states and 23 foreign countries. Survivors are Bill's wife Rosemarie, daughter Sandi and spouse Sonie Kirkland, daughter Vicki and husband Scott Powers and grandchildren Sydney Nicole Powers and Jack William Powers. He is also survived by 8 half sisters and brothers and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank BSA Hospice of the Southwest for their excellent care and compassion during Bill's illness. Bill and Rosemarie are members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Amarillo. Cremation will by handled by Rector Funeral Home. No service is planned.