Jesse Ben Kirkland

Jesse Ben Kirkland passed away peacefully Saturday, December 17, 2016 at his home in El Paso, Arkansas. He was born to Lenard Forrest and Lucy Tanna Riley Kirkland March 15, 1938 in El Paso. He is predeceased by his parents, his son Lynn Kirkland, his daughter Paula Blakemore, three grandsons, Andy Earles, Jesse Kirkland and Benjiman Kirkland. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of sixty years, Freda Smith Kirkland; daughter Donna (Gary) Adkins; five grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by brothers Leroy (Alice) Kirkland and Danny (Carolyn) Kirkland; sisters-in-law Edith Barnard, Reba Short, Arlena (Don) Riley and Alice Thompson and brother-in-law Donald Smith. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. J.B. was a lifelong member of the Oak Church of Christ and retired from Remington Arms. He loved the farm he grew up on which his parents, he, and his brothers cleared the land and grew cotton and vegetables. His hobbies included his goats, his horses, his chickens and gardening. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Baptist Health Hospice, 2200 South Bowman Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72211. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday December 21, 2016 at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2016, at Oak Church of Christ. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.