William James "Billy" Kirkwood

William James “Billy” Kirkwood, age 51 and a life-time resident of Konawa, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at his home on November 25, 2023.

Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and a Rosary to follow on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Swearingen Funeral Home in Konawa.  A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 29th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church west of Konawa.  Fr. Joseph Duggempudi will officiate, and burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery.  Pallbearers are James Merrell, Josh Kirkwood, Jacob Kirkwood, Joseph Kirkwood, Will Capps, and Payton Cordray.  Honorary bearers are Joe Craig, Wade Snodgrass, Darryl Brooks, Carl Capps, Michael Cordray, Tanner Capps, Caleb Brooks, Mark Reeves, Billy Hisaw, and Billy Harjo.

Billy was born February 7, 1972 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Billy G. Kirkwood and Pamela M. (Khoury) Kirkwood.  He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, and grandpa.  He graduated from Konawa High School in 1992.  He loved helping people, and therefore, chose a career that reflected that.  He worked as an EMT for Oklmulgee County EMS from 1992 - 2016.   Billy loved spending time with his family and friends, and his passions included playing the guitar, writing music, singing around the campfire, fishing, hunting, camping, and playing golf.  Billy had a huge heart, and he loved to laugh and to make those around him laugh too.  As a child, Billy loved to play pretend.  He would go outside to be Tarzan in just his undies and a rubber knife tucked inside.  He loved the Star Wars movies, and everything that went with them.  And, he loved Star Trek.  He had the “Trekie” shirts in every color.  He wore his six shooters, and played with his Lone Ranger and Tonto.  He also had “High Ho Silver” the horse too.  There was so much to mention, but the main thing to remember is that he was happy.  He loved to call his mother up just to say, “I love you, Mom.”  And, she would answer, “I love you too, Billy.”  He will continue to be loved and missed by so many who knew him.

He is survived by his mother, Pamela Kirkwood of the home; four sons, James Merrell and wife, Morgan of Ada, Oklahoma, Josh Kirkwood of Konawa, Jacob Kirkwood of Maud, Oklahoma, and Joseph Kirkwood of Konawa; one brother, Donnie Jones and wife, Laura of Laguna Vista, Texas; four sisters, Sheila Capps and husband, Carl of Konawa, Angie Brooks and husband, Darryl of Noble Oklahoma, Kori Kirkwood and Michael of Konawa, and Kaci Kirkwood of Konawa; one granddaughter, Jaiden Merrell; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Kirkwood and step-mother, Glenda Kirkwood; grandparents, Mildred and Daniel Khoury, and Clint and Gracie Kirkwood; and several other loved ones.