A Time to be Born: Billy Neal Kirkland was born July 13, 1934 to the union of Sam and Laura Kirkland in Carthage, Mississippi.

A Time to be Born Again: Billy confessed and gave his life to Christ at an early age. He joined the Gallilee Missionary Baptist Church in Carthage, MS.

A Time to Learn: Billy graduated from Harmony Vocational High School in 1952 in Carthage, MS.

A Time to Love: Billy moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1952 seeking growth and opportunity. In 1953, Billy met the love of his life, Miss Velma Mae Anderson. They were joined in holy matrimony and from this union four children were born.

A Time to Labor: Billy found his first job on the east side of Chicago at Goldblatt's. As he continued in his growth, he became a laborman at the Wisconsin Steel Mill where he worked until he retired after 25 years of service. Being the hardworking man he was, even after retirement, he began working for the American Sightseeing Bus Company until he fully retired.

A Time for Fun: Billy loved to travel back home to Carthage, MS. every year for homecoming. He loved food, family, friends and to have fun. He had a very charismatic, rambunctious and funny personality. He also loved listening to the blues. He had a love for very nice cars. Billy Neal will be missed by many but loved by all.

A Time to Say Goodbye: Billy transitioned into eternal life on June 17, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife Velma Mae Kirkland, his mother Laura Kirkland, his father Sam Kirkland, his brothers Glen & Lamar Kirkland, his granddaughter Velma Anderson, his grandson Dwayne Anderson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his four children Geraldine, Billy Jr., Keith & Valerie Kirkland all of Chicago, IL.; a loving step-mother Bertha Kirkland; his sister Ruthie Nell Turner of Carthage, MS; 2 special sisters-in-law Ruby Nell Kirkland of Carthage, MS and Clara Kirkland of Dayton, OH; a special brother J.C. Turner of Carthage, MS; daughter-in-law Monica Kirkland of Chicago, IL; and a special friend Blanch Fortune of Chicago, IL. He had a special place in his heart for Robbyn (Missy), Bertina (Dee) and Mychon (Angel) all of Chicago, IL & Anthony Sr. of Gary, IN. A host of grandchildren, great-grand children, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.