Marvin Martin Kirkland, Jr.

Retired Lt. Col. Marvin M. Kirkland, Jr., of Charleston, S.C., passed away in his home surrounded by family on Oct. 28 at the age of 66. 

Born on Oct. 2, 1958, Marvin grew up as one of the eight children of Harriette and Marvin M. Kirkland, Sr. He graduated in 1980 from The Citadel, where he was a part of K Company and served on the Regimental Staff. He later joined the Theta Commission of the Kappa Alpha Order at The Citadel.

Shortly after graduating from The Citadel, Marvin served honorably for 27 years in the Logistics Branch of the U.S. Army, including deployments to Korea, Croatia, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. For his service, he was decorated with the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and seven Meritorious Service Medals, among others. 

After retiring from the U.S. Army in 2010, Marvin went on to lead the Junior ROTC program at Lincoln Middle-High School then at Goose Creek High School. He retired from Goose Creek High School in 2021. 

Marvin is survived by his wife Joyce Hartnett Kirkland and his children, Tripp Kirkland (Hadley), Tradd Kirkland (Amanda), Michael Cheatham (Alecia) and Abbey Smith (Christian), along with his grandchildren, Mary Seaton Kirkland, Rhodes Kirkland, Louise Kirkland and Leo Cheatham. 

The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 in St. Philip's Church, 142 Church Street at 11:00 am. Interment to immediately follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will greet family and friends one hour prior to the service in the Parish Hall. Following the services there will be a reception held at the family home. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Philips Church, Shine the Light campaign, or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (https://www.lbda.org/honor-your-loved-one).