Ray Allen Kirkland

BEDFORD -- Ray Kirkland passed from this life unto his heavenly reward the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at a local hospital. Celebration of life: 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Euless, 1000 Airport Freeway West, Euless, with Pastor Bob Neely and son-in-law Pastor Chuck Darby presiding. Interment: 3 p.m. in Billington Cemetery in Limestone County. Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Ray requested that donations be made to Meals On Wheels in your county. Ray was born Nov. 10, 1932, in Dallas. He graduated from Axtell High School in Axtell in 1950. He attended North Texas State University and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he received an honorable discharge. Ray joined IBM as a customer engineer in 1957 and retired after 36 years of service. He served in the Arlington Six Flags Kiwanis Club for 22 years. Ray served God through his church in many capacities and sang in his church choir for over 40 years. Ray and his wife, Nora, are members of First Baptist Church, Euless. Ray was ordained a Baptist deacon in 1963. He delivered meals for Meals On Wheels for 16 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, tennis, hunting, photography, travel and senior softball. Ray and Nora, high school sweethearts, resided in Arlington for 42 years prior to moving to Bedford in 1999. Ray had a great love for God, family and friends. His greatest desire was for all of his family to walk with the Lord. Survivors: Wife of 60 years, Nora Weempe Kirkland; daughters, Terri Corbin and husband, John, Jan Darby and husband, Chuck; grandchildren, Jennifer Marshall and husband, Doug, Samuel Darby and wife, Sarah, Laura Sanders, Hannah Darby, Melanie Winkler and Melissa Brown and husband, Michael; great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Brenna Sanders, Mackenzie and Marlie Marshall, Faith, Jaiden, Hailey Brown, Carson Darby and Sadie Darby. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233