Garland found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life: working the land, raising cattle, hauling hay, and tending to his garden. In his earlier years, he cherished the time spent building houses alongside his father and brothers, creating lasting memories and a legacy of craftsmanship. Whether he was riding his golf cart with his dogs by his side or admiring his garden and beautiful flowers, he was the happiest outdoors.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he treasured every moment spent with his family, especially the laughter and love shared across generations. He was deeply proud of his service in the Army National Guard and carried that sense of duty and pride throughout his life. His hard work and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Garland is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Kinard and Gladys Kinard Bracknell; step-father, John Bracknell; children, Johnny Smitherman; siblings, Gordon Kinard, Glenn Kinard, Carl Kinard, and Donald Jordan; grandson, Landon Smitherman.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Faye Kinard; children, Vicky Godwin (Mike), Pam Smitherman (Brian Stephens), Cheryl Fondren (Tony), and Shane Hobson; brother, Garvis Kinard; grandchildren, Jessica Smitherman (Heather Danley), Jace Watkins (Hope), Joab Watkins (Kayla), Fayth Morton (TJ), Will Fondren (Kellen), Zach Fondren (Dara), Jake Fondren, Kaley Whaley (Cecil), Tanner Hobson (Kayla), Sydney Seales (Brody), Amanda May (Chris), and Blake Stephens (Kayla).
Pallbearers will be Jace Watkins, T.J. Morton, Zach Fondren, Will Fondren, Jake Fondren, John Michael Gann, Blake Stephens, and Tanner Hobson.
Honorary pallbearers are Rev. James Walker, Dr. Wesley Spruill, Spine Care Staff, special friends from hospice care, Alma, Shelly, Kayla, Bro. Scott, and Beverly Wilkinson.
A funeral service will be held Friday November, 7, 2025 at Ridgeville Church of the Nazarene at 11 am with a visitation one hour prior.
Burial will be at Kinard-Mathis Cemetery.
