SEARCY, Ark. — George Ira Kirkman, 74, died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, in Searcy.

Born on Feb. 3, 1937, in Bolton, Miss., he was the son of the late George and Ruby Eichelberger Kirkman. Mr. Kirkman was a former resident of Vicksburg and Wilmington, N.C., and had been a resident of Searcy for the past 11 years. He was a graduate of Carr Central High School and retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with 29 years of service.

Mr. Kirkman was a member of the College Church of Christ in Searcy.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Irwin Kirkman of Searcy; two sons formerly of Vicksburg, Brett Kirkman (Kim) of Searcy and Derek Kirkman (Janet) of Tampa, Fla.; and six grandchildren: Conor, Anna-Grace, Mary-Margaret and Everett of Searcy and Mya and Gavin of Tampa.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Kirkman.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Riles Funeral Home with interment at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. Saturday until the service.

Memorials may be made to the George Ira Kirkman Endowed Scholarship, Harding University, c/o Jim Carr, 900 E. Center, Searcy, AR 72143, or charities of choice.