Robert Lee Kirkman, Sr., passed away 22 June 2017. He was born and raised in Greensboro where he enjoyed the serene life of country living. In fulfilling his lifetime dream, he embarked on a military career proudly serving his country for over 25 years. Assignments took him to far away places throughout the world: Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, Belgium and a multitude of tours stateside.

After retiring from the military, he ventured into the civilian workforce embarking on a second career with Valley Auto World. His hard work and dedication earned him the "Mercedes Benz Star Technician" award of North America and numerous accolades throughout his 17 year service with Mercedes Benz.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Lee Kirkman, Jr. Their shared interest of carpentry and their love of Harley's formed a lifelong bond. They could be found in the garage designing and crafting any and everything; skills of the trade one taught the other. Robert loved to tell the story of his first military assignment in Germany as an MP in the 1950's. His unit came across an old stored crate of Harley's which they refurbished and used in patrolling the installation. His passion grew from there. He believed in hard work, getting the job done and refused to let obstacles get in his way. He took pride in his accomplishments, seldom asked for help, and always did what he could no matter how long it took. When he had to rely on a walker in later years, at one point, he rigged it with an edger and proceeded with his yard work. Until recently, he could still be found outside working on whatever needed to be done. As he lay in his hospital bed, he was still planning his next project. He gave it his all until he was called home. Robert was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 plus years, Erika Kirkman; an inseparable pair; one could not be found without the other. They supported each other through the good times and the hard times--always there for each other in sharing a lifetime of memories; daughter, Monique Fowler and son in law, Terry Fowler; daughter in law, Chong Kirkman; grandsons, Weslee (Melody) Fowler; Robin Kirkman; great grandsons, Alex and Trace Fowler, all of Fayetteville; sister in law, Emma (Helmut) Oehlenschläger (Germany) and family; nieces, Dorothea Lester (NC); Peggy Kindt (PA) and their families; special friends and cousin, Donnie and Wenda Kirkman (NC); his extended families: Chong Cotton (OK); the Beauvais family (France); his West Virginia family (Merriners, Hardmans, Fowlers); and nieces and nephews worldwide. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take a moment to remember him in your own way or make a contribution to the charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 28 June 2017, at 11 am in Jernigan Warren Chapel. The burial will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 10 to 11 am at the funeral home.