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. Lingerefelt.

Those left behind to cherish hos 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, Emory; 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.