Kirk Tyson

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.

Send flowers to the service of Kirk Tyson

Honor the life of Kirk Tyson

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.