Thomas Jerome Kirkland, 61, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. He was born on January 13, 1964, in Eustis, FL, to Dwight and Gladys Kirkland.

A lifelong resident of West Bay, FL, Thomas raised his two children and built a life rooted in simple joys and hard work. He found happiness in fishing, tinkering and fixing things with steady hands, and spending time with those he loved most.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dwight Jerome Kirkland, and his brother, James Kirkland. He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Milner, and husband, Josh Milner of Lynn Haven, FL; his son, Thomas "T.J." Kirkland Jr. and wife, Niki Kirkland of Fort Stewart, GA; his grandson, Carson Milner; his mother, Gladys Kirkland of West Bay, FL; and his sister, Caroline Joyner of Chipley, FL.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at West Bay Holiness Community Church. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at West Bay Cemetery.

Thomas will be deeply missed by everyone who loved him.