Rev. Edward Eugene (Gene) Kirklin, Jr., 45, of Hogansville, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020, at his home. Rev. Kirklin was born January 8, 1975, in LaGrange, lived in Troup County most of his life, and had owned and operated LaGrange Area Roofing and Remodeling. An ordained minister since 2012, he had served as pastor of God’s Open Door Church of Praise in LaGrange. Gene loved to hunt and fish, and is remembered as a loving husband, father, son, and brother who had a strong faith and loved his work. Survivors include his wife, Karen Kirklin of Hogansville; daughters, Heather and Karl Kudyba of Rockville, MD, Ashley Bishop of Orlando, FL; grandson, Lukas Kudyba of Rockville; his mother and step-father, Ann Higginbotham and James Rountree of Jeffersonville; sisters, Susan Vaughn of Temple, Donna Whatley of LaGrange, Heather Kirklin of Gray, Lisa and Jerry Cantrell of LaGrange, Sandy and Chris Atkins of Southport, FL, Sherrill and Alan Henderson of Forsyth, Frances and Dennis Baer of Jeffersonville; sisters in-law, Tammy Kirklin and Cathy Kirklin; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins and their children. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Eugene Kirklin; brothers, Eddie Lamar Kirklin and Barry Eugene Kirklin; and his step-mother, Wanda Stenger. Viewing and visitation with the family will be at Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home in Hogansville, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31, with social distancing observed. The family will host a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, at God’s Open Door Freedom Church on South Greenwood St. in LaGrange. Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.