Ronald Davis "Davy" Kirkland

Ronald Davis “Davy” Kirkland, 42, a retired Gulfport Police Sergeant, passed away November 17, 2013 in his home surrounded by his wife and children. He lost a courageous 15 month battle with colon cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Audrey Kirkland, children Maci Kirkland 13, Molly Kirkland 7, Megan Eubanks 18, Millie Eubanks 13 and Will Eubanks 16; parents Dr. Ron and Sue Kirkland of West Memphis, AR; brother Dan (Rachel) Kirkland of Sardis, MS; sisters Sundi (Ken) Humphries of Meridian, MS and Wendi (Ty) Trahan of Madison, MS. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and a multitude of family and friends. Davy attended South Panola High School and graduated in 1989. Born with a soul that has the courage to wear the badge; he attended MS Law Enforcement Officer’s Training Academy to become a certified police officer. He furthered his education at the University of Mississippi with a BA Degree in Criminal Justice and Minor in Spanish through the University of Salamanca, Spain in 1999. He started his police career in 1992 as a Traffic Officer for Batesville Police Department; 1993 Special Agent, Panola-Tate Narcotics Task Force; 2000 an Adjunct Professor for Northwest MS Community College; 2001 he served in Kosovo as an International Police Officer with a Close Protection Unit for the United Nations; 2003 Deputy Sheriff, Panola County Sheriff Department; 2004-2013 Gulfport, MS where he was a highly decorated and respected officer. He started out as an Undercover Narcotic Agent where he still holds the MS record for the most undercover drug busts, Patrol Officer, Narcotics Detective, SWAT Team member, Criminal Investigative Detective and then retired as Patrol Sergeant. Davy took a medical retirement in February 2013 after 20 years of service. After retiring from the police force, he became a commercial fisherman, enjoyed boating, camping, taking cruises, traveling, snorkeling, painting, playing the guitar and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of First Baptist Church Gulfport, MS. During his final days, we are especially grateful for the care and support we received and for making him as comfortable as possible from Dr. Allison Wall and Deaconess Hospice. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Davy’s life with visitation Friday, November 22, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, HWY 605, Gulfport, MS. Funeral services are Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the church with a police procession to follow. Interment is at Whittington Cemetery in Amite County. A hero who will be missed by so very many… forgotten by so few. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com Donations for the family’s expenses can be made to Benefit for The Kirkland Family, c/o Peoples Bank.