Earl "Nick" Lee Kirkman

Earl Lee “Nick” Kirkman, 97, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday, February 5, 2026, while at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on September 23, 1928 in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina to the late John Benton Kirkman & Loretta Bodenheimer Kirkman.

Along with his parents, Nick is reunited in passing with his beloved wife of 51 years, Mrs. Betty Jarvis Kirkman; and his brothers James Franklin Kirkman, Donald Chaffin Kirkman (Sis), Jack Melvin Kirkman & David Phillips Kirkman.

Nick briefly served our country in the United States Navy. Following his honorable separation, he went on to work for Western Electric. After a lifetime of technical writing for the company, Nick retired in 1983 and embraced retirement for the next 43 years. He loved playing golf at his member course, Pilot Knob Park, as well as any course with Brad! He proudly played until he was 92 years old. When not on the course, Nick enjoyed daily walks in the neighborhood, time with family, sitting on the beach & watching sports from his recliner, especially the PGA Tour, UNC, Duke & Wake Forest. He & Betty taught the family how to play Rook and enjoyed lots of laughter around the card table. Above all else, Nick loved his family and will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish Nick’s memory are his son, Brad Kirkman (Debbie) of Murrells Inlet, SC and their children, Brandon (Amanda), Justin (Jessica) & Travis (Taylor); bonus-son, Tom Jones, Jr. (LaNeta) of Clemmons, NC, and their children, Chris Jones & Carlynn Barefoot (Kevin). Great-grandchildren include Westen & Autumn Barefoot (NC); Olivia McKinley Pace & William Bradley Kirkman (TX); and Avery Grace Kirkman (SC). In addition to immediate family, Nick adored his niece, Donna Kirkman-DuBose & sister-in-law, Linda Kirkman.

A celebration of Nick’s life, with close family & friends, will be held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in his name to Teach My People (https://www.teachmypeople.com or PO Box 2848, Pawleys Island, SC 29585) or the charity of one’s choice.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.