Jesse Robert Kirkwood, 83, of Davidson, went to be with the Lord Aug. 2, 2012, at his home. He was born on Sept. 3, 1928 in Smithfield, Pa., to the late Hugh and Alice Kirkwood. He served his country in the US Air Force.

He is loved and will be missed by his wife of 59 years, Gerda, and his two daughters, Ellen Lockhart of Harrisburg and Sandra Fulmer and husband Stan of Davidson; 3 grandchildren, Vanessa Lockhart, Ashley Fulmer Stovall and Jessica Fulmer Redding and 2 great-grandchildren, Jerome Means and Dylan Redding.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Mr. Kirkwood enjoyed the gifts God gave us of the outdoors, enjoying fishing, bird watching and growing orchids.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 Monday, August 6, 2012 at Gilwood Presbyterian Church in Concord with Rev. Alan Buckner officiating. Internment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036.

James Funeral Home, Huntersville, is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com