Benny Dale Kirkland

Benny Dale Kirkland, 73, passed peacefully at home on March 5, 2021 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Ben was a proud and strong man, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is preceded in death by his first wife Pam, his father Ben Kirkland, his mother Dauphine Songayllo, and his beloved granddaughter Sarah Tindell. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Jerri, daughter Kristi and Alan Tindell, son Calvin and Angela Kirkland, step-mother Faye Kirkland, grandson Coby Kirkland, granddaughters Regan and Alex Thompson, Emily Kirkland, Bailey Tindell, Erin Kirkland and stepson Eric Hardaway, his precious dog, Bear, and a host of lifelong friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Ben was born on March 28, 1947 to Ben and Dauphine Kirkland in Big Spring, TX. Growing up an only child, he had plenty of time to play and hone his skills playing football, baseball and many other sports. By the time he got to high school, he had become an accomplished football player. He was the Big Spring Steer’s quarterback and won many games, awards and accolades during his playing years. After graduating from high school, Ben had roughly 30 scholarship offers from Division I schools. He had been named All Conference and High School All American so he had his pick of where he could go. Ben had married his high school sweetheart after graduating which led him to East Texas State University in Commerce, TX which had married housing. He started his college career in the fall of 1965 and went on to break records, win championships, and earn many awards with the ETSU Lions. Upon graduating in 1969, he was invited to sign as an undrafted free agent for the Houston Oilers and the Cincinnati Bengals. He went on to play some semi-pro ball, but with a family now, he made the choice to go into the commercial and residential glass business thanks to his father-in-law. After working at many different locations, he eventually took over as manager of Bell Glass in Killeen, TX in 1979. Ben’s dream was to be a coach, but his calling was to manage, develop and grow the business his father in law began. He enjoyed his work and retired in 2013 after 40 years of service.

After his retirement, he settled in Granbury, TX with his wife Jerri where they were dedicated members of First Christian Church. They both served as deacons, and Ben was on the security team. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with their Granbury friends, attending all of his granddaughter’s athletic events, experiencing many wonderful vacation spots, their family and just life itself. Ben was a huge part of many people’s lives and will be greatly missed. He had a heart of gold.

To read more about Benny’s accomplishments, go to Unsunghero@thelionwire.com

Celebration of Life: 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 20, 2021, First Christian Church.