Lowell Kirkbride

Lowell Ralph Kirkbride, 82 of Cleveland, MS died peacefully in his home November 27, 2023.

Lowell was born on November 16, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lowell proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1963 –1965.  He graduated from Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He began his accounting career in Memphis, Tennessee in 1969 and worked at William P. Neal (Neal & Neal) Accounting Firm in Cleveland for 20 years.  He worked at the Cleveland State Bank for 23 years as an internal auditor before retiring in 2017.   Lowell took great pride in serving his clients, colleagues, and community.  

Lowell had a servant’s heart.  He served on the Harding University President’s Development Council, was an active member of the Cleveland Lions Club, served several years on the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department, volunteered with the Cleveland Park Commission as a coach/mentor, and served the Cleveland Church of Christ as a deacon and elder for many years.  He also quietly and steadily helped those in need.   

Lowell married the love of his life Donna Neal Kirkbride in 1967.  They lived a beautiful life together for 56 years and established an amazing legacy of faith and family.  

Lowell is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph & Edith Kirkbride; his brother, Gilbert Kirkbride; his father-in-law, William Neal; and his brother-in-law Bob Neal. 

Lowell is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Lisa (Kelley) Peace of Houston, TX.; son, David (Christine) Kirkbride of Denison, TX.; grandchildren, Austin (Abby) Peace, Krista(Caleb) Elmore, Colton Peace, Easton Kirkbride, Bowen Kirkbride, Wilson (Katy) Kirkbride, Luke Kirkbride, Ty Kirkbride, Beth Anne Kirkbride, Benjamin Kirkbride; sister, Doloris (Rick) Williams of Indianapolis, IN; mother-in law, Frances Neal of Cleveland; sister- in-law, Vail Neal of Spring Hill, TN and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation honoring Lowell will be held on Friday, December 1, from 5:00 – 7:00 at the Ray Funeral Home.  A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 2:00 at the Cleveland Church of Christ.  Visitation will be offered Saturday at 1:00 at the church.  Interment with military honors will be held immediately following the funeral at the New Cleveland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Harding University at Harding.edu.   You can visit rayfuneralhome.net to access the on-line guest registry/options.