Charles Richard Newsome, Jr

Charles Richard Newsome, Jr. (Dick), 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Greensboro, NC, on November 21, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Gate City Baptist Church, 5250 Hilltop Road in Jamestown, NC. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.

Born November 11, 1942, in Winston-Salem, NC, Dick graduated from James A. Gray High School, where he was president of the student body and active in all sports — especially excelling in baseball. He made all-conference, and played in the East/West All-Star game his senior year in high school. Dick later attended Wake Forest University where he was a member of the baseball team playing centerfield. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, and became a life-long fan of all Demon Deacons sports teams.

In 1963, Dick joined Southern Bell Telephone Co. in Winston-Salem, holding various management positions, and spending the last 20 years of his overall 35 years of service to the company, in Atlanta, GA.

While living in Greensboro (1971-1983) he was a member of Forest Oaks Country Club, chairman of the board of directors, a member of the Administrative Management Society, and an active member of the community by coaching multiple youth baseball teams. During his time in Atlanta (1983-2003), Dick was active in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), and served on the Georgia State NAMI Board of Directors. Since retiring and moving back to Greensboro in 2004, he had been an active member of Gate City Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon.

Dick was preceded in death by his father, Charles Richard Newsome, his mother, Mamie Crowder Newsome, sister, Phyllis Newsome McBane, and son, Mark Emory Newsome.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Patricia Emory Newsome (Pat), son Charles Michael Newsome, (Mike) daughter Michelle Rene Newsome Reece (Scott), granddaughter Ashley Reece Willard (Clif), grandson Justin Scott Reece (Kathleen), and four great-grandchildren Reece Hunt Willard, Emory Scott Willard, Whit Reynolds Willard and Isla Rene Reece.

Dick was renowned for always forging meaningful connections with others — no matter what the setting. He made lasting friendships with Southern Bell and later AT&T co-workers, and enjoyed many golfing trips to Mt. Mitchell. The simple pleasures of life — faith, family, and friendship — were his top priorities. Family time almost always centered around a good home-cooked meal, watching a lively sports event, and sharing his latest joke.

From his years as a well-respected boss and business colleague, to prized moments spent gathered with children and grandchildren, he made those around him feel treasured. One of his last statements came while grinning from ear to ear: “I love my family!”

The Newsome family would like to offer their heartfelt appreciation to the amazing angels at AuthoraCare Collective (formerly Hospice of Greensboro) for their kindness and impeccable care in the past few weeks. They ask that memorials in Dick’s honor be made to AuthoraCare Collective in Greensboro or to Gate City Baptist Church.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.