It is with profound sadness that our family shares the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather (“Andaddy”), Troy Don Kirkland, who left us September 30, 2024 at the age of 82.  Surrounded by his loving family and caregiver (Miss Liz Williams) in his final moments, he was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones and close friends.  His sense of humor was “quick wit” and compared to no other!

Andaddy’s passion for music, wood working and horses, along with his unwavering spirit will forever be remembered.  Our family would have to agree that the South Carolina Gamecocks were at the top of his list! Andaddy was a true diehard fan and supporter of the Gamecock Club for more than 50 years. Going to all the games at home, as well as, traveling to away football games will always be one of the family’s greatest memories. Go Cocks!

Don was an accomplished drummer with various bands through his lifetime.  His most notable bands were Thick and Thin, as well as, Shoreline. He played the backup drums for various famous artists, including Willie Nelson and Delbert McClinton, to mention a few.

Andaddy had a love of horses and competing in Paint Horse Cutting Competitions, in which he often won first place and received several belt buckles.  He was also a member of the Richland County Sheriff’s Posse.  He mostly enjoyed traveling and trail riding with friends.

Don worked at SC ETV for most of his life and was on the board for the Irish Children’s Summer Program. He was a member of the Eastover Ruritan Club, as well as, the Masonic Lodge. Andaddy was also a Sunday School teacher and deacon at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church and Southside Baptist Church. 

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 62 years, Diana Palmer Kirkland; daughter Karon Hadley (Todd); daughter Lisa Jordan (James); grandchildren Dr. Erin Jordan, Drew Hadley, Kirkland Paturzo (Robert), Gabrielle Gaba (Cam), Hannah Folendore (Shane) and Lydia Hadley. Don is also survived by brother-in-laws Sammy Palmer (Linda), Dicky Palmer and sister-in-law Gayle Freeman (Ken).  “Uncle Don” is survived by so many nieces and nephews; too many to count!  He loved them all!  We will continue to honor Andaddy’s legacy by living our lives to the fullest.

A visitation will be at Thompson Funeral Home located on Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.   A private burial will be held the following day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Toby’s Place” (Oliver Gospel Mission) P. O. Box 7697, Columbia, SC 29202. (Mention his name on the memo line.)  OR…the Gamecock Football NIL program so that South Carolina may finally win a National Championship for football!