Harvey Benjamin “Benij” Kirkland Jr. died peacefully at his daughter’s home on Thursday night, August 6, 2026.

Born in Charleston, SC May 25, 1945, he was the son of the late Coach Harvey B. Kirkland and Elizabeth McDougal Kirkland.

He was a 1963 graduate of Newberry High School where he played quarterback on the varsity team beginning in the 8th grade. He went on to play in the North South Shrine Bowl as a highlight to his high school career.

He played at Newberry College under his father, Coach Harvey Kirkland, rather than go to Clemson with a full ride, because he wanted to play for his dad. He also enjoyed playing baseball for the Newberry College Indians.

He married his lifelong love, Deborah “Anne” Fulmer.

Upon graduation he coached in Conway under Coach Buddy Sasser and in Orangeburg as an assistant coach to Coach Dick Sheriden

He obtained his master’s degree in education to become an elementary school principal, where he made a huge impact on the community for 25 years. He was principal at Park Street Elementary in Whitmire for 2 short years before moving to Speers Street School in Newberry. He left lasting memories for so many young people playing whiffle ball every morning on the playground before the bell rang.

Upon retirement, Benji started Kirkland Outdoor Services, which he owned and operated up until his death.

Benji had a great sense of humor and once was encouraged to apply to be the voice of the AFLAC Duck.

After school and during his off time he enjoyed hunting and fishing and all things outdoors including farming and managing herds of beef cattle. He enjoyed working in his yard, playing and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

He is survived by his three daughters, Lonica Dowd(Lowell), Elisha Shinn (James) and Gina Marie Kirkland and her dog Kira Blue; special friends Marcello Acosta and his family, and long life friends Billy Brice and Heber Long.

He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Marcia Adkins (Grady), Ginger Kirkland, and Rebecca “Kiki” Gilstrap (Rick) as well as many nephews.

He leaves behind his grandsons, Zach Branch (Caitlin), Robert “Landon” Dowd (Abby) and Benjamin “Luke” Dowd as well as two great grandchildren, Riley Anne Branch and Presley May Branch.

He is predeceased by his wife Anne Kirkland in 2021 and his dearly loved grandson, Benjamin Alexander Branch. While he is reunited with his greatest loves, he will be so greatly missed.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Sunday, August 16, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 1020 Boundary Street, in Newberry.

The family would like to thank MSA Hospice for their tender and compassionate care with special thanks to Dee Davenport, RN, Brandy Harvey, RN, Melissa Oslen, MSW and Desiree Cohen, CNA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Newberry College, Athletic Department, 2100 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108.