David Lewis Kirkland

David Lewis Kirkland of Biloxi - having survived a crippling injury for more than 35 years, finally lost his powerful grip on life Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Mr. Kirkland was born in Biloxi on October 16, 1953. He was the second of three sons and three daughters in the marriage of Fred and Jean Kirkland. He spent his entire life in the city he loved, vigorously involved in its many and multi-faceted transformations. Mr. Kirkland lived 55 years, and embraced every one of them as though they were the most precious gift imagined. His appreciation for life, despite all its travails, was constantly and blessedly shared by all those who came to know him. His survival against enormous odds served as encouragement to many others so unfortunately infirmed. Mr. Kirkland's desire to live was first tested when at age 20 he was the victim of an automobile accident. Instantly a paraplegic, Mr. Kirkland astounded medical professionals by first surviving the accident, then refusing to yield to what they classified as "terminal" injuries. He eventually returned to college to continue his education, and even pursued public office. He always remained vital to his family, his hometown of Biloxi, and an ever-growing list of friends and acquaintances. As a child, Mr. Kirkland was well known for his mischievous ways and peculiar sense of humor, attributes which properly characterized his school years as well. He was constantly of appetite for food, fun and roguery. He was a leader of many so inclined as he, but none of whom ever equaled his fulfillment from such behavior. Despite the debilitating effects of his injuries, Mr. Kirkland was forever ready to counsel others of similar fate. His words of hope and encouragement helped enable others to better deal with their misfortune. His appreciation for life at all costs led him to become a lector at his lifetime church - Nativity BVM Cathedral. Throughout his decades bound to a wheelchair, Mr. Kirkland maintained his astounding sense of humor and prankish inclinations. His many nieces and nephews came to understand and appreciate the humanity behind the infirmity. And all those in his expansive circle of family and friends were constantly entertained by his storytelling, some of which was actually grounded in truth. On March 26, 1982, Mr. Kirkland married Ginny Martino Kirkland and began an odyssey unlike most unions. Their mutual love and incessant playful discourse powerfully underscored 26 years of marriage. Mr. Kirkland was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, and Mr. and Mrs. Ollie Kirkland; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Kirkland, Sr.; and his sister, Mary Jean Kirkland. He is survived by his loving wife, Ginny, sisters, Kathleen Potts and Nancy (Joe) Boney; his brothers, F. Cliff and Johnny (Jeannie); and his nieces and nephews Olivia and Betsy Boney, Daliance Kirkland Ross and Paul Kirkland, Charlotte King, Katie Rockholt and Johnny Kirkland, Ronnie Seymour, Jr., Rachel Seymour and Robin Seymour, Jessica, TJ and Ryan Martino, Josh and Jayson Frierson, Christy and Ivan Phillipoff, and Joe Hollis; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at Nativity BVM Cathedral, Friday, December 12 beginning at 11:00 a.m. where friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes, Howard Avenue, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com