Obituary of Johnnie "J.B." Kirkham

Funeral services for Mr. Johnnie Byrl "J.B." Kirkham, age 89 of Olla, will be held at 10 AM Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from the sanctuary of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Chruch in Olla with Bro. Todd Whittington officiating, Bro. Boyd Tannehill and Reed Walters assisting. Interment will follow at Harris Chapel Cemetery in Olla. Visitation will be Monday evening at Riser Funeral Home in Olla from 5 PM to 8 PM. "J.B." was born on June 27, 1923 in Good Pine, LA to the union of John Elmer and Annie Beck Kirkham and passed from this life on Saturday, September 22, 2012 from his residence. He was a member of the US Army having served during the Normandy Invasion and Battle of the Bulge. He was a Charter Board Member for Farm Bureau, a Charter President of Pleasant Ridge Water System, served as Director of Harris Chapel Cemetery for 40 years and served as Deacon of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church for 65 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Kayla Cranford; grandson, Chris Callender; great-grandson, Sean Dunn and his brother, Robert M. "Bob" Kirkham. Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, Helen Kirkley Kirkham of Olla; son, Mike Kirkham and wife, Rosemary of Dallas, TX; three daughters: Pat Cranford and husband, Jimmy of West Monroe, Gail Rains and husband, Ricky of Bossier and Penny Callender and husband, Roy of Farmerville; eight grandchildren: Kitty Head, Joshua Cranford, Erin Gildon, Evan Dunn, Calder Dunn, Jade Brashear, Jeff Callender and Cathy Willis; three step-grandchildren: Seth Rains, Richard Rains and Kris Rains; thirteen great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. J.B. was a loving husband, Daddy, friend and will be missed by all who knew him. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jeff Callender, Evan Dunn, Calder Dunn, Josh Cranford, Darrell Gildon, Casey Head and Jed Brasher. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Walters, Donald Roark, James Cupples and Emory Smith.