William Dehaven Newman

William DeHaven Newman, affectionately known as Bill or Billy D, passed away on August 6, 2024, in his home in Cary, NC. Born to Ava Jane DeHaven Newman and Lafayette Newman on July 22, 1933, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Bill left this world, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and a life rich in accomplishments and relationships. He is predeceased by his parents Ava and Lafayette and his brother, Elton “Larry” Newman. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years of marriage and best friend Winnell (Howard) Newman. Bill’s wonderful nieces, nephews and their families are a great comfort to Winnell. He also survived by his children and their children from a previous marriage with whom he shared his love for so many years, but not long enough. Lastly, he leaves behind a wide circle of friends who will also feel his absence.

A proud graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School class of ‘51, where he played trumpet in the band and performed on the stage, singing with his beautiful voice. Bill furthered his education at UNLV, where he earned a degree in Political Sciences in 1975, the same year Frank Sinatra was given at that occasion an honorary degree. This degree also was a promise he made to his Mother in 1965 as her last request of him. In 1981 Bill transitioned his career with a degree in Computer Sciences and Systems Analysis Programming.

Bill joined the Navy in 1956 finally being able to do one of his favorite things, flying airplanes and jets. He served from 1956 thru 1967 in several capacities: fighter jet pilot; was stationed in Puerto Rico in the squadron where flying drone jets was developed; taught aerodynamics in Pensacola, FL; pilot for fleet ferry squadron out of Norfolk, VA.; was on Reserve duty in 1967-1979.

Bill was so very proud of his service and experiences in the Navy, though did not often share all the stories with everyone. His Naval career was marked by dedication and excellence. Bill’s stories are wonderful, scary in near death incidents and of course top secret...just kidding. But often he would say, “truly, you shouldn’t tell others this story.” Bill was the rank of Commander when he left the service.

Bill's professional journey after his service in the Navy was as vast as it was impactful.

He worked in training and Human Resources for several companies from Milwaukee, WI, to Las Vegas, V, to Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA and lastly in San Diego, and Irvine, CA. In 1982 he was now a computer programmer and systems’ analyst where he loved the early years in computing and the challenge of coding and development of interface technologies. Moved to North Carolina and worked in Asheville, Greensboro and RTP area; and eventually channeled his expertise into his own successful consulting business in Cary, NC.

It was 1977 when Bill and Winnell met, they worked at the Port of San Diego and were in a group of wonderful friends, sharing life moments. Bill married the love of his life in 1980 and together, they shared a full life filled with love, honesty, support of each other and lots of laughter. His wit was sharp and smart and on the mark always.

Bill's life was one of active engagement with the world around him. Music was a respite for Bill always....listening, playing, singing. He was an outdoor enthusiast, loved woodworking, often found finishing some project in the garage; loved hiking, canoeing and camping; landscaping was his creative side that all the neighbors would see; and was always tending to his garden. His intellectual curiosity was large and satisfied through his love of reading. Bill was an avid reader and writer, a strategic chess player and backgammon guru, although cribbage was his forte and favorite board game. Bill loved to cook and bake and had a flare for always knowing which spices were needed. Many challenges with his buddy Dick Guenther for cribbage title - King of the Month were bright spots in these last years.

Bill was also a respected mentor, in particular with one young man from Guilford College in the early 1980s. Dave Johnson remains in our lives to this day. Dave and his wife Gretchen have been like son and daughter to us.

"My Billy D. will be remembered as a loving husband and trusted friend." Bill's warmth, wisdom, beautiful singing voice, wonderful sense of humor and the joy and fun he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Bill’s ashes will later be interred at the National Veterans Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. which is due south to his maternal grandparents’ homestead. Having spent many years in the summer in Hillsville, VA, with his grandparents it just seemed fitting to have him so close to his family roots and their home.

Memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking below on the “Add a Memory” box. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Newman family.