Franklin Newkirk

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Mr. Franklin Newkirk, of Augusta, died on Friday, September 26, 2008. He was 88 years old. Mr. Newkirk was born May 22, 1920, in Willard, NC, and lived in Augusta nearly 50 years. He was a member of Crestview Baptist Church. He served during World War II as U.S. Army tank commander in Patton's Third Army. He earned a bronze star for heroic achievement in Vancourt, France, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He served his country on active duty for 20 years. After retiring as Sergeant First Class, he taught 20 years as a civilian instructor at Fort Gordon Signal School and during this time he invented a cable testing adapter, which at that time was going to save the signal school $40,000 annually. That invention was recommended by the incentive awards committee for use throughout the Army. He was a Mason. He was a lifelong fiddle player and enjoyed playing with his musician friends. After full retirement, he and his late wife, Mary, enjoyed spending time at their second home in Surf City, NC, which they affectionately called "Vacation Land." He especially loved fishing with his friends at the Jolly Roger Pier. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 3 p.m. at Poteet Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Sanders officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park with full Military honors. Survivors include daughters Dorothey Cunningham and husband Johnny of North Augusta, SC, Diana Morris and husband Dennis of Hephzibah, son Derrick Newkirk and wife Barbara of Martinez, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister Sallie Morrison of Wallace, NC, special sister-in-law, Eunice Newkirk of Williard, NC, and many dear nieces and nephews; also Mary's children, Cecil Parker and wife Harriette of Las Vegas, NV, Donald Parker and wife Sylvia of Augusta, Ervin Parker and wife Carolyn of Hephzibah, and Ray Parker of Darien, GA, their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved "Shug", Mary Louise Newkirk, son Donald R. Newkirk, grandson Anthony S. Albright, brothers B. Alexander Newkirk, Hamilton Newkirk, George Newkirk, sister Eloise Newkirk and Mary's son George E. Parker. Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview Baptist Church, 2632 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta, GA 30906. The Poteet Funeral Home, 3465 Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta, GA 706-798-8886.