Ralph Donevy Kirkland, 78, Orange

Ralph Donevy Kirkland, 78, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 23, 2023, in Orange.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 1, 1944, he was the son of Pearl Elmore (Barfield). Ralph worked for the Texas Department of Transportation as a truck driver for many years. He was a member of Pipefitters Local 195 and was a skilled machinist. Ralph loved hotrods, especially Chevrolets, and would build them and race them in the street with his son. He loved to go to garage sales and flea markets with his wonderful wife, Cathie. Ralph was a jack of all trades and was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and his family will deeply cherish the memories they have.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Bill McKee; and grandmother, Edith George.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Cathie Kirkland; children, Lisa Willtrout and husband, James, Janie Terrell and Breck Mowdy, Billy Kirkland and Tricia Vinson; grandchildren, Justin Terrell, Alex Zuno, Colton Anderson, Hannah Kirkland, Winter Kirkland, Kaistyn Vinson; great-grandchildren, Allison Zuno, Jackson Zuno, Madison Zuno, Brent Wayne Zuno, and Blair Anderson; as well as numerus other loving family and friends.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Simple Tributes in Orange.