David Eugene "Gene" Newkirk

David Eugene “Gene” Newkirk, 77, of Garner, NC, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Gene was born May 24, 1948 to David Winslow Newkirk and Emma Ingram Horne.

He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6

Once Gene finished his yard work on Thursday, he sat down to take a rest and drifted off peacefully.

Gene graduated from Broughton High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1970 to 1976, spending much of his service stationed in Germany. Following his return home, Gene began a long and dedicated career. He worked with North Carolina State University and Wake County General Services before retiring in 2005. Never one to stay idle, he then joined South Eastern Plumbing, where he enjoyed nearly 15 years of service before retiring again in 2017.

Gene was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than his family. He was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and love of practical jokes. A man of many interests, he was a history buff, a self-taught knife craftsman, and an avid knife collector. He enjoyed sudoku, crosswords, and never met a stranger—often striking up conversations with new friends at Bojangles.

Gene’s legacy is one of laughter, love, and devotion to those he held dear.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dawn Newkirk; son, David Newkirk and his wife, Kate; daughter, Nicole Dahlke and her husband, Tanner; grandchildren, Colton Dahlke, Cason Dahlke, Cannon Dahlke, Olivia Newkirk, Samuel Newkirk, Crew Dahlke and Madison Dahlke; siblings, Emily Newkirk, Al Newkirk and Angela Krappl; step-siblings Jerry Wiesel, Peggy Head, Sharon Griffin, Tina Jackson, and Cindy Peeler.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his step-father, Norman Wiesel.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 at 1:00pm at The Capital Church, 1308 US-70 W, Garner, NC 27529. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park, 12830 US-70 Business Hwy W, Clayton, NC 27520. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital here or The Wounded Warrior Project here.

Online condolences may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com