Carl Kirkland died Saturday from complications stemming from kidney failure . He and cousin KirklandCarl Kirkland founded Carl Kirkland 's home decor stores in 1966 . They expanded stores into chain with more than 300 locations in 35 states . He donated money to found the Discovery Park of America education center and tourist attraction in Tennessee and it is still expanding today . Memorial service will be held on Wednesday at park , which will be closed .
Kirkland died Saturday from complications stemming from kidney failure . He and cousin Carl Kirkland founded Kirkland 's home decor stores in 1966 . They expanded stores into chain with more than 300 locations in 35 states . He donated money to found the Discovery Park of America education center and tourist attraction in Tennessee and it is still expanding today . Memorial service will be held on Wednesday at park , which will be closed .