Kirk Tyson

Passed 05/31/2024

Obituary For Kirk Tyson

Kirk L. “Tippy” Tyson was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the late Pauline Christian Dudley.

He received his formal education in the Lakewood School District and graduated with the class of 1974 from Lakewood High School, located in Lakewood New Jersey. He played both Football and Basketball. Having a desire to further his education he attended Seton Hall University.

Before embarking on his working career, Kirk enlisted in the United Stated Army. Upon leaving the military in 1977, he then started his career as a Trackmen at Conrail Railroad for several years as well as a Machinist for Keystone Railway until he suffered from a work injury.

In 1980, he met the love of his life, Bernita Jones and on November 12, 1983, they were united in holy matrimony. Their union was blessed with three beautiful children - one daughter and twin sons.

Brother Kirk was a member of The Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for many years. He was a mentor and confidant to many youth and served as a Football Coach for Saint Margaret Mary.

He was an all-around sports enthusiast from an early age. He was an avid Penn State Nittany Lion fan, Los Angeles Laker fan as well as a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He loved to travel to see basketball and football games including High School, College, NFL and NBA. He often provided transportation for many youth and adults to sporting events. Captain Kirk was truly the human road map (he would study the map and MapQuest prior to any trip) before the modern-day GPS. He especially followed his nephews, Patrick Dudley and Quincey Wadley in both High School and College sports. Kirk also loved fishing with his friends.

Kirk enjoyed the music of the seventies. He was truly a music lover. He used his satellite stereo to enjoy music from different genres from many different countries. He loved R&B music and Jazz music. His favorite artists were George Duke, Curtis Mayfield and Brian Culbertson. He was also a vocalist in a local musical group back in the day.

He took great pride in being the King of the Grill. He would smoke his brisket to perfection as well as ribs. He would grill and smoke anything. He made spaghetti for the masses and homemade fresh squeezed lemonade that he called “guacamole”, which we loved.

When his health began to decline, he went into the Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Health Care Center where the nursing staff grew to love and respect him. Kirk’s favorite phrase was “let me ask you a question”. He often gave long winded advice that would put you to sleep at times, but it always came from his heart.

On Friday, May 31, 2024 at 12:30 am in the Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Kirk left his earthly tabernacle joining his mother, Pauline Christian Dudley; his brother, Theodore (Wink) Dudley Jr.; his loving mother and father-in-law, Mr.& Mrs. Ezell Jones, Sr. and Thelma Jones; his brother-in-law, Kenneth J. Jones; his son, Shakka D. Kimber and his grandson, Miles Johnson. He leaves to celebrate precious memories of him from his loving and devoted wife, Bernita Tyson; his daughter, Lisa Jones-Johnson (Leroy, Jr.) of York, South Carolina; his son, Senica Kimber (Sarah) of Harrisburg; his sister, Gayle Dudley of Fredrick Maryland; his brother, Paul Dudley, Sr. of Fredrick Maryland; his brothers-in-law, Ezell Jones, Jr. (Pelbea) of Coldspring Maryland and Rondell Waters; his sisters-in-law, Tammy Jones of Harrisburg and Janice Morris of Martinsville, Virginia; his grandchildren, Malik, Ava and Miles; one special cousin, Peggy Williams of Washington, DC and his lifelong devoted friends, Gary Powell and Roland Williams; his special roommate at Spring Creek, Ronald White and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Kirk's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and entombment in William Howard Day Cemetery.



Guest Book

Happy Heavenly 69th Birthday-my love ❤️, missing you is endless. I har to let you go gorgeous God has you under h is wing as one of his Angels to watch over us. During our years, many conversations and promises made, I'll cherish your dreams and continue what you want me to do is to live on. I thought we were going to do things together with the years we had. Only God knows what is best. Friends and family at times never accept or taken your honesty and truthful words,that came from the heart and with knowledge. Babe as I call you, left many memories, laughter and words you left that will always treasure and cherish it all. As you address me with "My Wife" & "Mooka", will stay in my heart. Love ❤️ and miss you.

- na

To my brother, no words can express my ❤️ heartbreak. You will live in my heart forever. As you always say Rest Well. I love you. Gayle Gayle

- na

I will miss you my Uncle Kirk, I love you! We had some great times! You was always coming to Jersey visiting me & my dad. Taking me on shopping sprees! You were a wonderful man! Until we meet! Love your niece Kim

- na

My uncle Kirk tip I will miss you dearly and you always with me as i take my steps in life. May you rest easy unk.

- na

It is with my Deepest and Heartfelt Sympathy and Condolences I send out to my Sister/Friend Needie and all the Family. Kirk was my Brother/Friend of a lifetime. My daughters truly loved Mr.Tippy. He will be truly missed by all who was blessed to know him.🙏 Prayers are continually going up for you Needie and all your family during this difficult time. 🙏 Love you Always 💕 Ms.G as Tippy would always call me. Your Sister/Friend Forever 💕 Glory

- na

From Steve, Maria, Stevie, Julia and Jahkai. With love and compassion ~ Peace and strength during this difficult time. We love you all. ~

- Maria Pollard

Our (your Bowman family) hearts were surely saddened to hear of your passing. Thank you for all the Love and encouraging words. You will be greatly missed. Rest Safe In HIS Arms Beverly Bowman Thomas

- na

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Needie and family sorry for your loss you have our prayers. Love Mrs Libby Jones and family. Hbg PA

- na

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Oh boy. What can I say about this man? My big Papa Bear. He never held back with me, nor I with him...and this really grew our bond. He stepped in when my own father passed away in 2009, making sure I always knew I was loved. He had no problem holding me accountable, either. Weekly visits prior to the pandemic, and check ins during and since allowed for many, many laughs. He HATED texting and more often than not fussed at me when I sent a text instead of calling. Because he wanted more personal connections, our phone calls seemed to last for hours. We talked about the Lord every time we saw or spoke to each other, discussing all the good that Father God was doing in our lives and encouraging each other when one of us was down. Pow wows, hugs, spades, lobster, steaks, spaghetti...inhaling whatever you or Mamanita cooked for me and sharing arroz con gandules with you when you asked, paired with shots and lots and lots and lots of laughter...togetherness...this is what I cherish in my heart and always will. As you would say, "go on down the street!" lol. Now you're truly free. Love you so dang much, Papa. I keep seeing you freely walking down Market St., blue jeans and yellow shirt, looking young and strong. I know this is God's way of showing me you're good. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life.

- na

Embrace your new life free of pain, rest in power. Pelbea

- na

My uncle Kirk (Great uncle) whom I referred to was one of my confidants and favorite people! I'll miss him his rawness, inspirational words, his knowledge and constant love he always displayed for me! To know him was to love him and he will forever be missed and remembered! This loss is a hard one for his entire family please keep us all in prayer.

- Jahnia Dudley

My uncle Kirk (Great uncle) whom I referred to was one of my confidants and favorite people! I'll miss him his rawness, inspirational words, his knowledge and constant love he always displayed for me! To know him was to love him and he will forever be missed and remembered! This loss is a hard one for his entire family please keep us all in prayer.

- Jahnia Dudley

To my brother, no words can express my ❤️ heartbreak. You will live in my heart forever. As you always say Rest Well. I love you.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA