Mitchell B. Kirkland, 76, passed away on October 7, 2025, at Advent Health in Apopka, Florida, after a brief illness. Born on February 6, 1949, in Dothan, Alabama, Mitchell’s life was rooted in the Southern communities he called home and shaped by service to his Lord and enduring ties to family and friends.
Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Sr. & Evelyn Kirkland, parents-in-law Abner & Mary Miller, brother Otis Kirkland Jr., nephew Thad Kirkland, brother-in-law Curtis Emerson, sister-in-law Carol Kirkland, and sister-in-law Helen Ruth Taylor.
Mitchell is survived by his wife Glenda Kirkland, Howey in the Hills, FL; son Randall Newberry (Alice) Phenix City, AL; daughter BJ Riday (Ryan) Clermont, FL; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters Gloria White (Harold), Slocomb, AL; Mary Emerson Dothan, AL; Vivian Morrison (Billy), Dothan, AL; and a host of other relatives including a very special aunt Quinque Donley, his cherished nieces and nephews, his adopted family the Ozbuns, and other close friends.
Mitchell was a seemingly quiet man who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always there to lend a hand when anyone needed. His quick wit served him well when he was joking, and he never missed a chance to make you laugh, even if it came at your own expense sometimes.
Mitchell served in the US Navy for four years as an electronics mechanic, spending eight months at sea aboard the USS Saratoga during her deployment to the South China Sea supporting the Vietnam War efforts.
Mitchell, an electrician by trade, retired as the Director of Plant Services after 38 years working for Southeast Alabama Medical Center.
Mitchell loved fishing even though he didn’t often take time to go. He did find time to garden and took pride in his wicking pots and the vegetables they produced. In recent years, he also enjoyed watching bluebirds nesting in his bird boxes. He never turned down a request for dog sitting and will be greatly missed by Spice and Sugar.
Mitchell was a man of God. He traveled the world on various mission trips, but he viewed everyone in his daily life as his mission field. He ministered to those he worked with, and he developed lifelong friendships with those he fellowshipped with. He interceded in prayer for all those he knew.
If you choose to contribute in Mitchell’s honor, PersecutionProject.org is a cause he believed in.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 P.M. Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends after the Celebration of Life service at The DoubleTree, 2740 Ross Clark Circle. We would also love for you to share your favorite memories of Mitchell with us via email, even if you’re unable to join us. Lifetime.Lived@Gmail.com
