Bennie Leo Kirkham, 97, of Sweet Water died Friday, April 22 at Marengo Nursing Home in Linden. He was born Feb. 8, 1914 in Sweet Water. He was a retired paper mill worker and farmer. He was a member of the Beaver Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, treasurer and Sunday School superintendent. He is survived by his sons Bobby L. (Neil) Kirkham of Huntsville and Benny (Aileen) Kirkham of Tomball, Texas, daughter-in-law Carolyn Kirkham of Linden, sisters Lois Wells of Linden and Mary Tucker of Columbia, S.C., grandchildren Gary Kirkham, Mark Kirkham, Sherly Kirkham Drummond, Jim Kirkham, Kristy Bridges, Dana Burbage, Tracie Stein, Matthew Kirkham and Amanda Kirkham, as well as nine great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Beaver Creek Baptist Church on Monday, April 25 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Tony Earl Cannon, Rev. Sidney Hill and Rev. Thomas Anderson officiating. Burial was at Beaver Creek Baptist Cemetery in Sweet Water. Active Pallbearers were Gary Kirkham, Mark Kirkham, Jim Kirkham, Kristy Bridges, Amanda Kirkham, Pete Bedsole, Sheryl Kirkham Drummond and Brantley Drummond. Honorary Pallbearers were Marvin Etheridge and the Deacons of Beaver Creek Baptist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.obryantchapelfh.com Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Linden.