Mr. Howard Riley Kirkland, age 68, of Empire passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021.  There will be a private family memorial at a later time.  Bell Funeral Home Sumiton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Kirkland; father, Willie Floyd Kirkland; and sister, Margaret K. Stewart.

He is survived by his mother, Kitty T. Kirkland; sister, Cathryn K. Herren; brothers, Walter H. Kirkland and James W. Kirkland; and a  host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.