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Sonny Edward Kirkman, Sr., 59, of China Grove, NC passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026 peacefully at his home.
A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Old Country Baptist Church 627 Faith Road, Salisbury NC.
Mr. Kirkman was born on January 30, 1967 in Salisbury, NC.
Sonny entered the workforce at young age and held different occupations over the years. At the time of his illness, he was employed by South Atlantic Bonded Warehouse in Salisbury where he was a warehouse supervisor. He liked fishing, hunting, collecting guns and knives, and had an appreciation for old trucks and fast bikes. Sonny enjoyed any time he got to spend with his family and friends, particularly when a good meal was involved. He was a tough guy with a soft heart. Sonny was many things to many people. He was a devoted husband to his wife of almost 41 years, a father of four, a brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. of all things he was though, being a Pawpaw was his favorite.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, the late Marvin Kirkman and Bobbie Jean Maurer; his buddy and brother-in-law, Bobby Lingerfelt; and his nephew, B.J. Lingerfelt.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Roxanne Kirkman of China Grove; his children, Leann Bulla (Chris) of Gold Hill, Sonny Kirkman, Jr. (Lisa ) of Gold Hill, Shasta Tucker (Josh) of China Grove, and Marty Kirkman (Sierra) of Ellenboro; sister, Marlene “Sissy” Lingerfelt; nieces, Tammy Lingerfelt and Megan Sullivan; great niece, Emery; and ten grandchildren, Krisily (Zach), Harmonie, Charity, Kaylen, Payslie, Christian, Willow, Hunter, Gunner, and Lucas. He also leaves behind many other family members and friends who he wanted to know that if they wanted to see him again, he’d be waiting in Heaven.
Our family would like to include our sincerest gratitude to every person who prayed, visited, encouraged, donated and walked beside Sonny and his family during the last year and half. We could never say thank you enough. A special thank you to Trellis Supportive Care and Nurse, Michael Allen. You supported and helped us so much in Sonny’s final days and we hope all the best for you and yours in the future.
Memorials may be made to Old Country Baptist Church.
Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Kirkman family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Kathy says
I’m so sorry you and family lost. Sonny forever be in y’all heart ❤️. Prayers to each of you. Sonny, fly high. And keep you eye on wife and loving family. Untill we all meet again. Your in no more pain. Love ya Kathy Honeycutt
Selina Pate Vinson says
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Harrell says
I knew of Sonny from visiting Mom’s church. It was sad to hear that he left this life at such a young age, but I know that my mom, Jeanette Jones Lomax, was there to welcome him home. He will be missed but I’m glad he is out of pain. I’m praying for his family that will surely miss him.
Mary Leach says
Rest in peace, sweet boy. Thank you for the precious time we shared.””Your memory is a keepsake in my heart that I will hold onto forever. I know you are not in pain now, you have a new body. My condolences to the family and Prayers going up for the family.
Your Aunt Mary.
Dennis Peeler says
Sonny and I used to talk about this song a lot… GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN. SON YOUR WORK ON EARTH IS DONE. GO TO HEAVEN A SHOUTIN, BEFORE THE FATHER AND THE SON! Much love, hugs and prayers to Rox and the family.