Wayne, Clyde Newkirk (Kirk) Jr.

Clyde Newkirk “Kirk” Wayne, Jr

Kirk was born on November 5, 1947 in Whiteville, NC. He graduated from Whiteville High School in 1966 and Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC with a BS in Sociology in 1970.

Upon graduation, Kirk began his career with Tobacco Associates in the Raleigh, NC as a Field Representative. In 1974, he and Linda were married and he began traveling internationally promoting U.S. flue-cured tobacco, visiting more than 50 countries over the span of his career. In 1975, he was promoted to the Washington Office to be Assistant to the President and later Vice President. In 1979, he was elected President of Tobacco Associates until he retired in March 2017. During his career, he served on numerous Boards and Committees, including the US Agriculture Export Development Council, NC Tobacco Foundation, Tobacco Growers' Information Committee, Tobacco Tax Council, National Tobacco Tax Council and Agriculture Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Tobacco appointed by the US Secretary of Agriculture. Kirk also earned a number of honors and awards during his career, the most prestigious being the industry’s “Tobacco Great” award in 1989 and, upon his retirement, the Excellence in Agriculture award from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

When not traveling for work, he loved being at home with his wife and furry companions, gardening, entertaining, being an accomplished grill master and reading suspense novels.

Kirk is remembered by his friends and family as a kind, gentle and selfless person. He had a genuine sense of humor which endeared him to those who were fortunate to be in his company. He will be sorely missed but always remembered by many at home and abroad.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, formerly Linda Kay High of Gaston, NC and his devoted furry pal Baxter