Union Mourns Willie Joe Kirkland, 84, Father of Safety Director Celeste Kirkland

JANUARY 30 – Willie Joe Kirkland, a Bus Operator with 25 years of service with NYC Transit, passed away on Monday, January 27th. He was 84 years old and operated the M15 bus in Manhattan in the 70’s and 80’s.

His daughter, TWU Local 100 Safety Director and Power Cable Maintainer Celeste Kirkland said, “I loved my father, and he loved me. Everyone said I walked like him, talked like him.”

Brother Kirkland was on a ventilator which was removed shortly before Celeste visited him at a hospital in South Carolina. They had three days together filled with love and laughter before he passed away.

In addition to his career in NYC Transit, he also was a tour bus and trolley operator, and worked as a wedding photographer. He was a man of faith and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of scripture. Willie Joe joined st Matthew's Church and served his community by teaching Sunday school.

Willie Joe Kirkland was admired by many. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will take place tomorrow, Friday, January 31 at St. Matthews Baptist Church in Ridgeland, SC, with the viewing at 10AM and the Service at 11AM.