Rev. Dr. Robert G. Kirkley

Rev. Robert G. Kirkley passed peacefully in his home with family at his side at the age of 92. He is preceded by his parents Rev. Edward T. Kirkley and Flora Kirkley of Baltimore, three brothers Holmes, James, and Charles, and an infant son Barry Kirkley. He is survived by his loving wife Joyce A. Kirkley, their two children Beth and Robert, and their three grandchildren Erin, Ethan, and Silvio. He is also survived by his sister Flora Auld, brother-in-law Stuart Auld, and many nieces and nephews. He treasured his chosen home in Dorchester County for the friendly community, delicious restaurants, and beautiful wildlife. He experienced a great outpouring of love and consideration in his final weeks and cherished every moment.

He would be the first to tell you that he loved life, and a life lived with God. His authored work "By God, You Can Do It - A Practical Guide to Successful Living" (Ballantine Books, 1985) details this outlook on life. Rev. Robert G. Kirkley served the United Methodist Church since 1948 and his pastoral assignments have taken him across the country. 1948-1950: Student Pastor, South Carolina; 1950-1952: Student Pastor, Baltimore, MD; 1952: Ordained Deacon Methodist Church; 1952-1954: Light Street Methodist Church, Baltimore, MD; 1954: Ordained Elder, Methodist Church. 1954-1977: Pastor, Mt. Washington United Methodist Church, Baltimore, MD; 1978-2000: Pastor, Lexington Park, United Methodist Church, St. Mary's County; 2001-2020: Appointed Pastor, Church Creek Charge. In addition to ministry, he was a natural mentor invested in youth education. He spent countless years working with Young Life and for ten years served on the St. Mary's County School Board under appointment by Governor Schaefer.

In accordance with his final wishes, his funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday February 25th, 2022 at White Haven Church in Church Creek, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Young Life, P.o. Box 1243, Cambridge, MD 21613. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge