Bernard Fulton Newkirk, Jr

Bernard Fulton Newkirk, Jr. passed gently April 9, 2018 surrounded by love and attended by family. Mr. Newkirk was born in Toombs County to Bernard Fulton Newkirk and Nonene Newkirk. Mr. Newkirk, with an immense love for his country and pride in his home state of Georgia, will be remembered as a patriot. As a young man, he served his country in the Vietnam War with courage and valor in the United States Army 1st Calvary Division. He served as a gunner on a quad 50. Butch, as he was affectionately called, loved being outdoors, walking the paths of the estuaries in Glynn County, and watching the alligators lazing in brown waters of the Okefenokee swamp. He loved riding the back roads in his pickup trucks and Cadillacs, alike. He would often go on adventures listening to the ballads of old country music. He was always the first to stop to help a turtle cross the street safely or to point out the wildlife that surrounded him in his South Georgia home. Butch met his best friend and beloved wife, Vickie, in 1979. He proposed on Jekyll Island, and they have returned countless times. It was under the twisted mossy live oaks, amid the deer, bunnies and countless waves hitting the shore, that they forged a loving friendship and life together. He felt strongly about the importance of education and knowledge. He would read dictionaries the way you would read a novel. On family vacations, he rarely passed a historical marker that he didn’t stop to read. He was devoted to educational shows, books and documentaries. His daughters will forever be grateful for his commitment and sacrifice to their education. He was especially proud that all three of his children graduated from college. Butch was a gentle soul with the vulnerable, especially animals. Over the years, he provided a loving home for many cats, dogs, horses, pigs, canaries, and the occasional ferret. Realizing that we all need help at times, he helped friends and strangers in times of need with quiet dignity. He loved auto body restoration and enjoyed countless hours working on projects with friends and neighbors in his barn, garage, and under the hood of so many cars.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie and daughters Heidi, Holley, and Haley. As well, he is survived by his brother, James.

Out of respect for his wishes, no formal service will be held for his passing.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Newkirk family.