Robert Billings Newkirk Jr. (‘Bob”) passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 10, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina after a short battle with cancer. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert B. Newkirk Sr. and Ruth L. (Moran) Newkirk, by his wife of 46 years, Barbara Jean (Galietta) Newkirk, by his wife of 13 years, Victoria Lambeth Newkirk, as well as daughter, Brenda Jean (Newkirk) Rogerson. He is survived by sons Robert B. Newkirk III and his wife Terri of Huntersville NC, Keith J. Newkirk and his wife Elizabeth of Manville NJ and Steven P. Newkirk and his wife Denise of Fort Mill SC, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Bob was born in Brooklyn NY in 1933 and moved to Washingtonville NY at an early age. He attended Washingtonville High School, graduating in 1951. He served in the 82nd Airborne division of the United States Army from 1953 through 1955 reaching the rank of Sergeant.
He graduated with a degree from Orange County Community College in Middletown NY. He was an employee of IBM for 30 years, residing in Lake Katrine NY, Charlotte NC, Stanley NC, Troy NC and Albemarle NC. Aside from his passion for his family, Bob had many interests.
He was huge Brooklyn Dodgers fan, until the team broke his heart and moved to LA in 1958. He was an avid “car guy” and could recite, in order, every car he had ever owned, possibly the price he paid for each and likely had saved documents from each. He rebuilt several cars during his life, particularly a 1957 Chevy Bel Air coupe and a 1964 Pontiac LeMans convertible.
He could identify most American made cars produced prior to 1970 just from the tail lights. He loved Big Band music, particularly Glenn Miller, old movies, especially WWII war movies and was an avid reader, reading many books on WWII many books about American cars. He was a long time member of the American Legion and served as Post Commander.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at Annunciation RC Church in Albemarle, serving in many offices, including Grand Knight. For his family, his legacy will be his strong faith, his work ethic, his commitment to project completion, his organization skills (some would say OCD habits) and his pursuit of perfection. He will likely be remembered daily for his corny jokes, a trait which he inherited from his grandfather, John J. Moran, and one his children and grandchildren keep alive more often than they care to admit.
Arrangements are being handled by Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord and Albemarle NC. The family will greet visitors at Hartsell Funeral Home, 522 North 2nd Street in Albemarle NC from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM on Friday November 23, 2018. A funeral Mass will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church 416 North Second Street, Albemarle, NC Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis NC 28081.
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