NEWKIRK, William B., 82, of Louisville passed away May 4, 2016, at the Sam Swope Care Center of the Masonic Home.
A native of Louisville, he was a graduate of St. Xavier High School and the University of Louisville where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He went on to play 4 years with the Cincinnati Reds organization. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was All European in baseball and basketball, playing in Germany. Returning to the states, he continued his education at the University of Tennessee (in Knoxville) completing a Master’s Degree in Social Work. He taught for several years at the Kent School while beginning a career at Norton Healthcare. His career included adolescent psychiatry, work in the Wellness and Lifestyle Center, and he retired as Director of Education and Development in 1999. Bill was a member of the L Club at U of L, and a former volunteer for the South Louisville Christian Ministries.
Throughout his life, Bill stayed active in sports. He played softball well into his 70’s, winning more than one World Series. He also coached men’s, women’s, and youth softball.
Bill is survived by his wife, Anna (Lynch) Newkirk; sons: Michael Newkirk (Anissa), Tim Newkirk (Laura), Pat Newkirk (Angel), Brian Newkirk (Jenni), and Patrick Spradling (Amela); one brother, Tom Newkirk (Beth); grandchildren, Sam, Max, Abbey, Jack, Lily, and Allie Newkirk, and Brittany and Cody Ried; and one great-grandchild, Chance Ried.
Visitation with the family will be Monday, May 9th, 2016 from 2:00-6:30 p.m at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. A Memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to DeSales High School Advancement Office, 425 Kenwood Drive, Louisville, KY 40214, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.