John J Newkirk, Jr.

John J. Newkirk, Jr. 67, of Bryant, Arkansas died suddenly early Wednesday morning while on a business trip in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Johnny, was the son of John and Geraldine Newkirk of Hot Springs. He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Linda of the home, daughter Stephanie (David) Clouston and granddaughter Larkin of Dallas Texas; sisters Diane Gatling of Benton, Jana (Ronnie) McKnight of Maumelle and sister-in-law Debra Westmoreland of Maumelle; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers who all love and will miss him. Johnny was reared in Hot Springs and deeply treasured his heritage of friends there. He had lifelong friends from Ramble Elementary and Hot Springs High School. It was in Hot Springs that Johnny received Christ as his savior at age nine. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock since 1985 and was an active member of the Johnson's Men Sunday School Class. Johnny graduated from Henderson State University, worked at several management positions with McDonald's, TCBY and Collection Services, Inc. before finding his natural calling at the Arkansas Workforce in Foreign Labor Certification Management. He especially loved working with the farmers where his knowledge was valued. Loyalty was one of Johnny's greatest attributes. His loyalty to his family was extraordinary, and he rarely missed a family holiday gathering. He clearly enjoyed kidding with all his nieces and nephews at these events, and they adored him for it. He was the family genealogist and he loved climbing through branches and limbs of family trees and digging for family gems in old letters, court records, family Bibles, and on tombstones. Another piece of his loyalty was given to Arkansas Razorback sports, especially football. He never missed watching a game or attending when possible and had quite a collection of Razorback memorabilia: This love of football was inherited from and tenderly nurtured by a favorite uncle who was lovingly referred to as Uncle Hog. The Razorbacks are losing an avid fan. Knowing Johnny, you were aware of his connection to Hot Springs. He took part in committee work for class reunions. He was so proud of his Hot Springs heritage and current revitalization efforts of the Park Avenue area. Since he traveled quite a bit for work, he started collecting room keys years ago. It was a great hobby; many reading this have no doubt contributed to his massive collection. In addition to keys, Hog memorabilia, and family information, Johnny collected friends, quite a few. They are already missing him, but know he is in his Heavenly home. Funeral service for Mr. Newkirk will be at Immanuel Baptist Church; 501 North Shackleford Rd in Little Rock at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in the Sanctuary with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. Graveside service will be at Rosehill Cemetery, Hope, Arkansas Tuesday, April 17 at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Food Pantry at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Online obituary: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.