Robert Howard Kirkland, age 83, of Sautee, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Bob was born on April 20, 1940, to the late Howard and Wynnelle Duke Kirkland, in Shelbyville, Tennessee.  He was a graduate of Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Architecture, and he was a veteran of the United States Navy.  Before founding RHK Studios in White County, Robert was founder, President, and design principal of The Kirkland Group, Inc. in Atlanta with offices in Tampa and Charlotte.  Under his guidance, the firm designed many commercial and residential projects for long-term clients such as Cousins Properties, Paragon Group, Alliance Properties, United States Air Force Commissary Service, and The Peasant Corporation.  The Kirkland Group provides services for over 200 retail projects.

Bob was an architect and interior designer for forty-five years and has successfully completed many projects in the county and surrounding area.  St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Mt. Yonah Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Long View Condominiums, restoration of the Cornelia Depot, Safe Haven Ministries Dorm for Children, Habersham County, Habersham Retreat Assisted Living, Baldwin Ga, Pazzo’s Pizza, Rabun Co., and Collins Residence, Hiawassee, Ga. are a few examples.  Bob enjoyed racing in SCCA, National and Pro, and the 24 hours of Daytona.  He was also a member of Nacoochee United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; daughters, Wynde and Kristin; grandchildren, Elise, Tyler, and Zack; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Larry (Suzan); sister, Judith (Harriet); nephew, Jimmy (Janet); niece, Kathleen (David); brother-in-law, Greg; sister-in-law, Trisha; as well as great-nieces and one great-nephew.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Nacoochee Methodist Church.  A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Nacoochee Methodist Church M & M group – P.O. Box 426, Sautee, GA 30571.

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland.