1915
William
2015
William Morrison Buzz Neikirk
September 23, 1915 — December 18, 2015
William Morrison “Buzz” Neikirk, 100, of Williamsport, died on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Homewood of Williamsport. Buzz was formerly of 966 Club Road, Hagerstown.
Born September 23, 1915 in Hagerstown, he was the son of the late Clayton Elmer Neikirk and Ida (Hennesy) Neikirk.
He was a 1935 graduate of Boonsboro High School, where he excelled in athletics. After graduation, he continued playing baseball, soccer and basketball for the Boonsboro Yellow Jackets in the Washington County Leagues throughout the 1930’s. He coached Little League Baseball during the years his son was active.
He served in the Pacific Theatre of Operation in the US Army during World War II and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. His children have honored him on the registry at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.
Buzz was owner and operator of William M. Neikirk, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD, retiring in 1981.
He had been a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church for 57 years, serving as Adult Leader, Youth Leader and on the Board of Trustees. He transferred his membership to the Williamsport United Methodist Church after moving to Homewood of Williamsport. He was a member of The American Legion, Morris Frock Post #42, for 62 years, the DAV and AARP. He was a past member of Suburban Kiwanis Club.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 70 years, Vivian Louise (Brown) Neikirk; one daughter, Julie N. Eriksson of Atlanta, GA.; one son, James E. Neikirk and wife Joy of Williamsport; three grandchildren, Gregory Eriksson and wife Krissy of Lilburn GA, Justin A. Neikirk and wife Robin of Williamsport and Jessica Rizzo Sloggatt and husband Chris Sloggatt of Charleston, SC. He dearly loved his five great-granddaughters, Brooke Vivian, Megan Renee, and Elaine Paige Eriksson, and Sofia Rose and Gabriella Elizabeth Sloggatt. He was “Uncle Buzz” to several nephews and nieces. Four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.
He will be remembered affectionately as “Buzz” by his family and friends, and “Poppy” by his grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family loyalty and commitment.
A memorial service will be conducted at 12:00pm on Tuesday, Decemember 29, 2015 at Homewood Retirement Community Chapel, 16506 Virginia Ave., Williamsport, MD 21795, with Chaplain Jeffrey Shull officiating. Inurnment will be private.
The family requests the omission of flowers. Memorial donations may be made to Homewood Benevolent Fund, address above.
www.rsthvn.com
Born September 23, 1915 in Hagerstown, he was the son of the late Clayton Elmer Neikirk and Ida (Hennesy) Neikirk.
He was a 1935 graduate of Boonsboro High School, where he excelled in athletics. After graduation, he continued playing baseball, soccer and basketball for the Boonsboro Yellow Jackets in the Washington County Leagues throughout the 1930’s. He coached Little League Baseball during the years his son was active.
He served in the Pacific Theatre of Operation in the US Army during World War II and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. His children have honored him on the registry at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.
Buzz was owner and operator of William M. Neikirk, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD, retiring in 1981.
He had been a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church for 57 years, serving as Adult Leader, Youth Leader and on the Board of Trustees. He transferred his membership to the Williamsport United Methodist Church after moving to Homewood of Williamsport. He was a member of The American Legion, Morris Frock Post #42, for 62 years, the DAV and AARP. He was a past member of Suburban Kiwanis Club.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 70 years, Vivian Louise (Brown) Neikirk; one daughter, Julie N. Eriksson of Atlanta, GA.; one son, James E. Neikirk and wife Joy of Williamsport; three grandchildren, Gregory Eriksson and wife Krissy of Lilburn GA, Justin A. Neikirk and wife Robin of Williamsport and Jessica Rizzo Sloggatt and husband Chris Sloggatt of Charleston, SC. He dearly loved his five great-granddaughters, Brooke Vivian, Megan Renee, and Elaine Paige Eriksson, and Sofia Rose and Gabriella Elizabeth Sloggatt. He was “Uncle Buzz” to several nephews and nieces. Four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.
He will be remembered affectionately as “Buzz” by his family and friends, and “Poppy” by his grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family loyalty and commitment.
A memorial service will be conducted at 12:00pm on Tuesday, Decemember 29, 2015 at Homewood Retirement Community Chapel, 16506 Virginia Ave., Williamsport, MD 21795, with Chaplain Jeffrey Shull officiating. Inurnment will be private.
The family requests the omission of flowers. Memorial donations may be made to Homewood Benevolent Fund, address above.
www.rsthvn.com
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