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Charles Richard Kirksey
November 18, 1950 - November 15, 2011

Mr. Charles Richard Kirksey was born on Saturday, November 18, 1950, son of the late A. Doyle and Mavis M. Freeman Kirksey. He died Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at the family residence in Trumann, Ark., at the age of 60 years 11 months and 28 days. He was born in Jonesboro, Ark., and had lived his lifetime in Trumann. Mr. Kirksey was the Guidance Counselor for Trumann High School, past-president of the Trumann Rotary Club, member of the Trumann Fine Arts Council and Trumann Planning & Zoning Commission, past Boy Scout Leader and of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include one daughter, Amiee Kirksey of Cabot; one sister, Debbie Layton and husband Dr. Louis of Jonesboro; one brother, Freddie Kirksey and wife Gail of Eads, Tenn; three grandchildren, Austin Carter, Ali Carter and Mason Nelson. Funeral service will be Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Highway 69 West in Trumann with Rev. Anthony Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in the Philadelphia Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. Active pallbearers will be Ricky Mitchell, Doug Butler, Allen Rhodes, Wayne Maggard, Darren Chenoweth and Dr. Louis Layton. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home. An online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

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  1. Carole Campbell Mackey, Bryant, AR says
    November 29, 2011

    I remember Charles from elementary and high school as a gentle person and talented artist. My thoughts and prayers are with those he loved.

  2. Darline Nance Casey, memphis,Tn says
    November 27, 2011

    My deepest sympathy to the family. Charles and I went to school together.

  3. Terrance Richard Mills, Mesa, Maricopa, Arizona, United States says
    November 26, 2011

    Thank you, Charles, for all your help with our Family History.

  4. Sid Johnston, Dallas Tx says
    November 23, 2011

    I am truly sorry to read about Charles passing. We were very good friend back in high school and had always admired his talent and kindness. May God's peace be with the family.

  5. Mary Lee Cunningham, Jonesboro says
    November 23, 2011

    To all the family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Charles was so young, spoken by one who now sees being in one's 60's as young. I know his passing left a whole in your hearts as well as in the hearts of the students, teachers and staff at THS. May you find comfort in remembering all the good times you shared with Charles over the years.God bless you all.

  6. adeana patterson, Texas says
    November 22, 2011

    So to hear of his passing,,He was a Great Help with out Selman Family Tree..also was a wonderful guy to research with...

  7. Don Smith, Trumann says
    November 18, 2011

    I will miss a good friend.

  8. Brenda Kirksey Franz, New Orleans, La. says
    November 18, 2011

    So sorry to hear about Charles. I just found out several years ago about all my relatives on the Kirksey side. My husband just lost his 39 year old daughter to cancer this October so I can very much relate to the grief that you are going through right now. We have one hope and that hope if knowing that through the shed blood of Jesus we will see our loved ones again. Our journey will be complete when we join them and see the one who made it possible. God bless you. Brenda Sue Kirksey Franz (Daughter of Billie Floyd Kirksey)

  9. Myles Whitman, Iron Mountain Mi says
    November 18, 2011

    Mr Kirksey was there when i needed him the most he help me pass 12th grade he will truly missed by me and my mom

  10. Diana Hodges, Trumann, AR says
    November 18, 2011

    Freddie, Debbie and families:Ya'll are in our thoughts and prayers. Robert and Diana Hodges

  11. Carlene (Shoopman) Hill, West Plains, MO says
    November 17, 2011

    Freddie and family, I am very saddened to hear of your loss. I remember Charles from school and the Legion hut dances where he played in the band, he was always a sweetheart of a man. God be with the family.

  12. Tammy Porterfield, Trumann, AR says
    November 17, 2011

    Mr. Kirksey was one of the BEST teachers anyone could ask for! My heart goes out to all his family, friends, and EVERYONE at Trumann School. You will be dearly missed!!

  13. Donald Hatcher, Jonesboro, AR says
    November 17, 2011

    Charles was a great guy and a friend who always had a positive outlook. I've always heard the definition of success was doing what you love. Charles was truly a successful man. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing.

  14. Michele gould Johnson , says
    November 17, 2011

    I'm sorry to hear about Charles. He was a good man and many will miss him terribly. Freddie, I know you will miss him as a brother but also as a friend whom you played piano with while he played the guitar. The Christmas you guys played was awesome. Debbie, hang in there, you know that you will see him again in heaven. Just remember how much he loved you and all of his family. He always talked about all of you. May God be with all of you today and always as you mourn and miss Charles.

  15. Angela Flippo, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas says
    November 17, 2011

    I was saddened and so sorry to hear about Mr. Kirksey. As an alum of Trumann High School and now as an employee at Williams Baptist College, I have known and worked with Mr. Kirksey for years. It was just a month ago that we visited at the college fair that he organized for Trumann High School. He will be missed. My prayers are with the his family and friends. May God give you the peace that only He can.

  16. Kimberly Marshall, Trumann, Ar says
    November 17, 2011

    Mr Kirksey was a really good counselor. He's going to be missed. R.I.P. Mr. Kirksey. Praying for his family and friends.

  17. Shelia & Joe Buchanan, Memphis,TN says
    November 17, 2011

    Freddie,Gayle and the rest of your family, our prayers are with you at this time. Charles was a good man and very respected by the kids in school. He will truely be missed. Love you both, Shelia & Joe

  18. Garry R. Doty, Jonesboro, AR. says
    November 17, 2011

    RIP old friend. Until we meet again.

  19. Barbara Wilson Gregory, Benton, AR says
    November 17, 2011

    Freddie and Gail,I was so saddened to hear the news of Charles. Such a great loss.My thoughts and prayers will be with you always.Barbara Wilson Gregory Barbara Wilson Gregory

  20. Bobbie Hazlett, Trumann, Arkansas says
    November 17, 2011

    I would like to say my heart and prayers are with you. I did not know Mr.Kirksey well (I wished I did, what I do know, he was very nice, helpful.)

  21. Pete Whitmire, Bradenton, Florida says
    November 17, 2011

    Friend and class mate, we will miss your laughter and wisedom. Prayers to all whome you have touched. We will meet again friend.

  22. Angela Wilderman, Virginia says
    November 17, 2011

    I am so sorry for the loss of this very special person. He was one of my Kirksey cousin buddies and we shared many an email and conversations over the years. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.

  23. Robert Bufford, Trumann, AR says
    November 17, 2011

    Freddie, family, and friends, I was so sorry to hear of Dickie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow. May the passing days bring only happy memories of him and the time we had with him here. God grant you comfort and peace.

  24. Tamera Leatherwood , says
    November 17, 2011

  25. JJ and April Morgan, Trumann, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We both enjoyed having your Dad as a teacher in High School.

  26. susan king, trumann says
    November 16, 2011

    I spent many a day on Speedway as a teenager listening to you play the guitar. You were a good friend and I will deeply miss you! RIP my friend!

  27. Tresa Boyd Vickers, Jonesboro, AR says
    November 16, 2011

  28. Jon Looney, Mexico says
    November 16, 2011

    Charles, I will never forget your guitar playing. Some of my best memories of Trumann, Arkansas were the nights we were all sitting around listening to you play. Rest in Peace. Jon

  29. Beverly Weems, Trumann, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    ....my thoughts and prayers go out to Aimee, Pam, and all the family and friends who are suffering from this tragic loss. Mr. Kirksey was a mentor to many people, including myself. ...He has inspired us all...

  30. Rhonda Wucherpfenig Kelley, Trumann, Arkansas says
    November 16, 2011

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. god bless you all.

  31. carol winchester, Trumann High School says
    November 16, 2011

    I will miss Mr. Kirksey. He was always so helpful to me as a new teacher last year. And he certainly had a special way with students. He will be sadly missed; he meant a lot to his students. Austin, Ali, and Mason; my heart goes out to you, I know you'll miss your Grandfather.Sincerely, Carol Winchester

  32. Ami Henderson, Trumann, AR says
    November 16, 2011

  33. Kenny White, Memphis, TN says
    November 16, 2011

    Charles was a good friend and classmate. He will be sorely missed. Blessings on his entire family during this difficult time.

  34. Stan Cragg, Conway, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    We will miss you here, Charles, but will meet up again some day...

  35. Jimmy D. Brooks, Temple Hills, Maryland says
    November 16, 2011

    I have known Charles most of my life and he was a very good friend of mine. I have a lot of fond memories of the time that Charles and I spent together in High School. I will treasure these memories forever. Rest in Peace Friend.

  36. Sandra Isbell, United States says
    November 16, 2011

    I am so sorry for the loss of Charles,I know the family will miss him so much. He was a delight as a classmate and I loved his musical talents. He will be sorely missed.

  37. Wayne and Phyllis Carter, Marked Tree AR says
    November 16, 2011

    We were very saddened to hear of Charles passing. He was a wonderful man that touched many lives.Our prayers are with you, Amiee, Ali, and Austin we love you very much. Mamaw and Papaw Carter

  38. Richard Elmo Lane, Trumann,Ar. says
    November 16, 2011

    Rest in Peace my old friend--we had some good times and some bad times but they have quit for the time being only the good times remain for you--see you later and don't forget your guitar--

  39. Tammy Horne, Trumann, Arkansas says
    November 16, 2011

    You will be missed by all!

  40. ina dawson, jonesboro says
    November 16, 2011

    to the family of mr. kirksey sorry for your loss he was a good person my kids really liked him he will be missed by all that new him.

  41. Mike Chaffin, Russellville, Ar says
    November 16, 2011

    I'm so sorry for your loss. May the peace of God be with you. I will be praying for all of you.

  42. Delsie Wright, Trumann, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    I am so sorry for your loss. Charles was a wonderful person, very giving and caring. He will be missed by a lot of people.God bless the family....you are in my prayers.

  43. Daina (Mooneyham) Plunk, Trumann Ar. 72472 says
    November 16, 2011

    I was shocked when i heard about the loss of the greatest man from Trumann High School! He always new how 2 brighten some ones day when they were down & out with a problem! Mr.Kirksey will be 4 ever missed by all ur students past & present & faculty! Pam,Ami,Austi,Ali,Mason im so sorry & if yall need anything just me know yall have so many people that will help!Mr.Kirksey save a place 4 all of us thats still here with out u!

  44. Jeff Renshaw, Chassell, Michigan says
    November 16, 2011

    Mr. Kirksey, you were more than a teacher and counceler....you were also a friend to many, you will be missed.

  45. Brenda Easter Wilson, Frankfort,Ky. says
    November 16, 2011

    I graduated in the class of 1969. Charles was in that class with me. Praying for his family and all of our classmates. He will be missed.

  46. Lisa Davies, Trumann, Ar says
    November 16, 2011

    MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF CHARLES. WE KNOW THE SADNESS AND PAIN YOU ALL ARE FEELING, WE HAVE BEEN THERE. MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND EACH AND COMFORT YOU ALL FROM THE PAIN. WITH PRAYERS AND GODS LOVE LISA DAVIES JESSICA MCCLAUGHLIN

  47. kids went to school there, trumann ark says
    November 16, 2011

    he was a good man he helped my kids out a lot wile there were in school he will be greatly missed

  48. Ferrell Hinds, Cordova, Tn. says
    November 16, 2011

    Shocked and saddened to hear of Charles' passing. He was a life long friend, classmate and will be missed by all who admired him. Rest In Peace, til We Meet Again.

  49. Athena Teall, Ishpeming, MI says
    November 16, 2011

    You will be sincerely missed. You were an incredible influence in my life and I will never forget the times and memories that we shared. Rest in Peace my Friend!

  50. Candy Whitman, Trumann, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    Charles was a very sweet man, and will be missed by lots of people...RIP

  51. Candy Whitman, Trumann, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    Charles was a very sweet man, and will be missed by lots of people...RIP

  52. Shirley Redd, Jonesboro, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    I am so sorry for your lost at this time of the year. I did not know him but my neices had him as counselor when they went to school there and I am sure they are hurt at his passing. Also I did know his mother and I do know Debbie and Dr. Layton for many years so I wish to tell them they are in my thoughts and I do hope God will comfort them thru this diffcult time. May God be with all.

  53. Phil & Kim Smith , says
    November 16, 2011

  54. Pamela Gann, Trumann says
    November 16, 2011

  55. George & Beth Nunnally, Bentonville, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    Our prayers are with all the family. All the students at Trumann High School will be in our prayers also.

  56. Jay and Melissa Roberts, Trumann says
    November 16, 2011

  57. Gary Anderson, Trumann says
    November 16, 2011

    Charles I have always enjoy working with you on the Planning and Zoning Board, You always had great ideals and good input into what would help the city,, you will be greatly miss my friend,

  58. Tammy Williams McNatt, Trumann, AR says
    November 16, 2011

    Charles, you are missed by so many. Thank you for everything you have done for all our kids at THS. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family and with all of your many friends. Your Legacy will live on through the example you left in everyone's heart that you touched. I know your making that beautiful music in Heaven. Tammy, Trandon, Shawna,Trey and Kelsey New.

  59. Cami McDaniel Foxx, Astoria, Illinois says
    November 15, 2011

    So many funny memories of Mr. Kirksey. And such a talented and caring man. If we had more Mr Kirksey's the world would be a better place. Praying for God to wrap his warm embrace around the family during this painful process.

  60. Freda Payne Paxton, United States says
    November 15, 2011

    So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you! I pray God will give you comfort and peace during this hurtful time.

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