Philip Ray Newkirk

The world lost a wonderful and beautiful soul when Phil Newkirk lost his courageous battle with myeloid fibrous. Phil was born in Moline, IL in 1938 to Ray and Ella Newkirk. During his senior year in high school, he completed a science project in meteorology. Thus was born his love for the subject. Pursuing his love of meteorology and seeking adventure, Phil joined the Navy as a meteorologist upon graduating high school. He spent his first four years on the east coast and then was stationed at Adak, Alaska. Afterwards, he went on to the U.S.S. Hancock, which was conducting operations in the Pacific Ocean in support of the Vietnam War. It was during this time while Phil was home on leave in Illinois that he meant Nancy, a beautiful nursing student who caught his eye. In 1964, they married and started the greatest adventure of their lives. The Navy took them to Lakehurst, Norfolk, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Rota, Spain, and finally Long Beach. Phil finished his honorable 26 year Navy career at the Stennis Space Center retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. The next week, he returned to the Stennis Space Center as a civilian contractor. Upon retiring, Phil selflessly offered his extensive knowledge and experience to fellow service members as a Social Worker with Navy Relief.
Always keeping busy, Phil was a member of the Mississippi Coast Fly Fishing Club and passionately committed to working with the Healing Waters Wounded Warriors Project.
Nancy and Phil continued to travel the world and enjoy an adventurous life together. They traveled throughout North America, Europe, and Central America creating many happy memories. They were always interested in meeting the locals and trying regional cuisine. The best adventures were the unplanned ones, which remain great family stories to be retold over and over again. When not traveling, they tirelessly worked on their dream home in Gulfport.
Phil is survived by his wife Nancy of 50 years, daughters Robin and Mishele, grandchildren Katie, Michael, Angela, Aaron (USNA) and Elijah, as well as great-grandchildren Blake, Ian, Mason, and Connor. He is also survived by his brother Jack (Rosie) and family in Illinois.
Private services will be held this week at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Wounded Warriors Project (http://tinyurl.com/mlbm96l ) in Phil's name.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, served the family.
For more information, please call (228) 539-9800.