Kirkham

Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) Kirkham, age 82, of Vineland died Nov. 8, 2023, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services were Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Surginer with Pastor Adam Andrews officiating. Burial followed in the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Thomasville directing.

Kirkham was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Judy Kaye Hasty Kirkham; his parents, Thomas Jefferson Kirkham, Sr. and Julie Elizabeth Johnson Kirkham; and brother-in-law, Jessie Daniel Thompson.

He is survived by his children, Thomas Darren Kirkham (Kim), Steve Jeffrey Kirkham (Cassandra), and Cynthia Kaye Kirkham Taylor (Rafe); grandchildren, Christiana Kirkham Meherg (Clay), Caroline Kirkham, Thomas Kirkham, Anna Kirkham Dudley (Berry), Brooke Kirkham, Mary Madison Taylor Himic (Stephen), Bill Taylor (Meredith), Olivia Taylor, and Trent Taylor; greatgrandchildren; Ford Dudley, Titus Dudley,and Stevie Himic; sister, Betty Ann Thompson; brother-in-law, Buddy Hasty (Jan Carol); sister-in-law, Mary Olive Hasty; and dear friend, Barbara Pugh.

Pallbearers were Thomas Kirkham, Bill Taylor, Trent Taylor, Berry Dudley, Ted Morgan, Randy Cline, Van Phillips, and Wilfred Dailey.

Honorary Pallbearers were David Brunson, John Brunson, Mark Dozier, Buddy Hasty, Billy Kirkham, Rex Leonard, David McKeithen, Bill Passmore, Mack Pope, Mickey Pope, Dr. Philip Travis, and Randy Walters.

Kirkham retired from Georgia-Pacific after 43 years of loyal and dedicated service. He was a cattle farmer, a board member of the Alabama Cattleman’s Association, and served one term as President of the Marengo County Cattleman’s Association. He was a board member at Thomasville Academy and served as president of the PTFO. He was a longstanding member of Thomasville Church of Christ.

The family requests that contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund.

Special thanks to the staff of Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center; director, staff, and residents of Old Town Home Assisted Living; staff of Southern Care Hospice; doctors and staff of DCH Regional Medical Center; family, friends, and neighbors who were so kind; and Barbara Pugh for seven years of friendship and care.