Khiry Akil Kirkland

Khiry Akil Kirkland was born October 14th, 1991, in Ancon, Panama, at Gorgas Army Hospital to Juanita Marie Kirkland and Benjamin Kirkland. He went home to rest on October 15th, 2023.

Khiry was a quiet and kind soul who loved with an open heart, ready to support family, friends, and co-workers at a moment's notice. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others and was adored by all who knew him. An inquisitive listener, his one-word question of "Why" was an invitation for anyone he spoke to to go within and discover their own questions about life. 

He quietly and humbly applied his brilliant mind to his work, play, and hobbies. He enjoyed a variety of books and films and loved discussing the metaphysical meaning of the hero's journey. Khiry was tech-savvy and had the rare ability to transform ordinary technology into extraordinary experiences.  

Khiry was a member of the Centers for Spiritual Living and the Living Aligned Focus Ministry. He lived mindfully and intentionally, applying practical spirituality in his life.

Growing up, he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball with the Cumberland County Parks and Recreation. He was an avid fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Carolina Panthers. He was most inspired by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who were his favorite athletes.

Starting at a young age, he played the piano, viola, and alto saxophone. As a saxophonist, he was a member of the Reid Ross Classical High School Band, the E.E. Smith Marching Band, and member of a saxophone quartet. 

Khiry graduated from Reid Ross Classical High School with Honors. He received a Creative Minds Scholarship to attend Full Sail University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recording Arts. 

After attending college, he worked for Cumulus Broadcasting, Issuer Direct Corporation as a Webcasting Program Specialist, and most recently, he worked as the Webinar Administrator for the Product Operations department at the Knowfully Learning Group.

Cherishing his memory are his parents, Benjamin and Rev Juanita Marie Kirkland; and sister, Kiara Dicole Kirkland; Grandparents, Mary and Lucius Gordon; Aunts, Dawn Green (Gregory) and Bertha Kirkland; Uncles, Leonard Coley (Gwenevere), Lance Coley (Trina), Herbert Kirkland and Jeffrey Kirkland; and a host of cousins, friends, and co-workers. 

Celebration of Life service will be held on October 28th at noon in the Rogers and Breece Chapel. Family visitation will be held before the service from 10:45 to 11:45 AM. Repast will be held at the family home after the service at 5824 Lagu Place in Fayetteville.

Livestream Information:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9386580485?pwd=b3A0REJxdEg2cURkSldDblZGYyswQT09

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