Elden Russell Kirkland

Remembered with love Mr. Elden Russell Kirkland, 79, passed from this life on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Born in Yankton, SD, Russell was the son of the late Lex W. and Erlene Johns Kirkland of Muscle Shoals, AL. He grew up in Sheffield, AL and was a 1963 graduate of Sheffield High School. Russell served in the U.S. Navy aboard many submarines and later in the Army National Guard, where he was activated with the 122nd Combat Engineers and served in Iraq from 2003-2004.

Russell worked as a nuclear engineer at several power plants across the country. He concluded his career with more than 20 years at the Savannah River Site.

Russell is survived by his wife, Peggy Townsend Kirkland; his sons James Kirkland, Orange, MA, Lex (Holly) Kirkland, Aiken, SC; daughters Kristy Hamilton, Hinsdale, NH, Leigh Kirkland, Aiken, SC; grandchildren Austin Kirkland, Skylar Kirkland, Kyle Kirkland, Samantha Browning, Hunter Payton, Michael Payton, Tad Payton, Emily Payton, Reese Kirkland, Bailey Kirkland, Andruw Kirkland; sisters Rebecca (Donnie) Allen, Susan (Charlie) Brown; nieces and nephews.

The family is very grateful to his caregivers at the 1C unit in The Charlie Norwood VA in Augusta, GA for his long time compassionate care.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM, with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with Craig Middleton officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be James Kirkland, Lex and Andruw Kirkland, Hunter, Michael, and Tad Payton.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org), or the Army Emergency Relief Fund (www.armyemergencyrelief.org).

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC