Willie Rogers Kirkland was born on July 3, 1937, to the late Theodore Brown and Florence Kirkland. He grew up in a close-knit family that consisted of three siblings. Willie was known by those who loved him as caring, loyal, and honest, qualities that guided every aspect of his life. He was educated in the Bedford County School System and was a member of the first graduating class of Susie G. Gibson High School in 1955.

After graduation, Willie honorably served his country for twenty years in the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer. This role reflected his strong sense of duty, integrity, and commitment to protecting others. He especially loved traveling and seeing the world. Willie took his responsibilities as a caretaker very seriously. After serving his country, he worked at Loma Linda Hospital for over twenty-three years committing his time to serving other veterans as a transport supervisor for Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Willie enjoyed life and was a blessing to those he encountered. Willie, a God-fearing man, was deeply devoted to his church. He found purpose in serving his community. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was defined by service, faith, loyalty, and love.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his sister, Rosabelle Kirkland Saunders; brother, William Kirkland; and son-in-law, William D. Preston.

Left to celebrate and cherish his memories are his wife, Renee; his children, Vanessa Lorraine Preston, Lawrence Kirkland, Alison (Pat) LaFear, Sandra (Stan) Johnson and Craig (Michelle) Kirkland; his grandchildren, Barbara (Leander) Watkins, William (Sherry) Preston, Cheyney (Katrina) Preston, Brandie (Lamont), Laterease (Rodney), Brianne, Brittanie (Aaron), Nicholas, Andrew, Cameron, Eliana, Jaida, Kyleigh, Lillian and Craig; as well as sixteen great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. Willie has three sisters-in-law Grayson, Eula and Jackie. In addition, Willie is also survived by three loving nieces Cassandra "Sonja" (Don) Bagby, Lillian "Dee-Dee" Kirkland Wright-Coleman and Phyllis "Penny" Bevins; and a devoted family member Elaine Kirkland.