Joseph Ira Kirkpatrick

Joseph's Obituary BELLS, TN - Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Ira Kirkpatrick, United States Army (Retired) age 84, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 7, 2015, in Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Mr. Kirkpatrick grew up in nearby Brownsville, TN, son of the late John Eddie and Vera Mae (Archie) Kirkpatrick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Bobby Lynn Kirkpatrick, half brother Alsey Williams, half sister Maranette Martin, and grandson John David Kirkpatrick. Joe is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where he served proudly and with distinction, earning numerous medals, including the Silver Star, one Bronze Star and a Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters. As a young man he served in combat in Korea as a Soldier, quickly moving up the ranks. Later, he was selected for Flight School and became an Army pilot of both fixed winged aircraft and helicopters, serving three tours in Vietnam. Upon return he obtained the senior rank of Chief Warrant Officer and continued to train pilots as a senior aviator in the United States Army. Mr. Kirkpatrick is survived by his loving wife Billie June of Bells TN; three children: Danny (Molly) of Rock Hill, SC, Becky (John) of Arlington VA; Rodney (Robin) of Northport, AL, seven grandsons, Jason and James Kirkpatrick, Chase and Ryan RisCassi, Dillon, Jared, and Micah Kirkpatrick, three great grandchildren, nephew John (Frog) Kirkpatrick and many other family and friends who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday August 11, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Walnut Hill Baptist Church, Bells, TN with Bro. David Brown, Dr. Fred Campbell and Bro. Justin Moreland officiating. Burial will follow at the Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors. Bells Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The Kirkpatrick family will receive friends at Walnut Hill Baptist Church on Monday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the service hour. Bells Funeral Home, 731-663-2766 or www.bbfuneral.com Read More Read Less