Thomas J. "Tommy" Newkirk, Sr., age 67 of the Fairplay Community, died Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant. He was born on August 25, 1950 in Little Rock to the late Oren Newkirk and Beatrice Wicker Newkirk. Mr. Newkirk worked at the Benton Services Center for 30 years as a fireman. He was also a mechanical engineer and worked as boiler operator for the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center for 20 years.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas James Newkirk, Jr. and his wife, Samantha (Sam) of El Dorado, and William Newkirk of Hot Springs; two grandchildren, T. J. Newkirk, III, and Savannah Newkirk; and by a sister, Carolyn Newkirk of Haskell.

Mr. Newkirk was also preceded in death by a brother, William Oren Newkirk.

There will be a memorial service held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.