David Odell Newsom

David Odell Newsom, 74, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at his home where he was blessed with visits by many family and friends during his final days. David was born November 23, 1949, the second son of John Odell and Edyth Kimball Newsom, both deceased, and grew up in Winston Salem. His older brother Kim Allan survives and younger brother Galen Eugene is deceased.

David attended Salem Baptist Church throughout his early life and enjoyed singing with the Winston Salem Optimist Boys Choir for many years. He graduated from East Forsyth High School where he played football and sang in the Madrigal Choir. He received his BA in Business and Accounting from Elon College, and his MBA from UNC- Greensboro, where he worked as an assistant to the Dean. During his graduate work, he met his future wife Janice who was mid-way in her undergraduate program. David and Janice have two children, Stephanie Joy and Matthew David, and felt so blessed to receive these gifts from God. They have attended First Baptist Church, Greensboro for over 44 years. David was supportive of the church as a Deacon and in committees, as well as mission activities, including tending the FBC Prayer Garden and the FBC Community Garden.

David worked for the Defense Contract Audit Agency during college years, and began his career at Home Federal Savings and Loan as an auditor. Subsequently, he enjoyed a long career in textiles, in the Procurement field, for Kayser Roth and BGF Industries. His business travels took him to Columbia (SA), Costa Rica, South Korea, China, Germany, Italy and many US locations. He felt truly fortunate to work with talented professionals in their fields.

Beginning in high school, he developed a love for tennis and golf. For 30 years, he had a standing Monday night doubles tennis match with his dad John and other competitive opponents on the court. Janice, Stephanie and Matthew loved to watch him play and he taught them how to play. He also played golf whenever he could with business associates and friends, and later with his son Matthew and grandsons, Gavin, Ethan and Emery. David enjoyed attending tennis and golf tournaments, and played on several top golf courses in the US with family and friends. He also enjoyed scouting experiences with Matt, and attending the Grimsley HS Madrigal performances for Stephanie and Matt. David coached youth soccer and basketball. He loved to sing until his final days.

The family prioritized visiting as much of the US as possible during summer vacations, including Hawaii, where father John was stationed during WWII. Their extended family travel included much of Europe but their go-to-vacation spot was North Myrtle Beach where multiple generations gathered to enjoy surf and sand.

David is survived by Janice, daughter Stephanie Cole and her sons, Gavin Alfred and Ethan Gregory, son Matthew Newsom and wife Lydia Cronic Newsom and their children Emery Daniel and Ellis Kimball, his brother Kim and wife Cherry, nephews Allan and John, nieces Amy and Jamie, Galen’s widow Penny Newsom Knight and their families. His family included cousins who were always part of his life with holiday gatherings, annual Moravian love feasts, and special occasions.

David loved being a part of Janice’s family, and is survived by her sister Leigh Ann Gilliam Poland, husband Jack and children Kristen and Ryan, and her sister Donna Gilliam Camp, husband Mitch, and children Caroline, Hunter and Catherine. David is predeceased by Janice’s beloved parents, Emery and Doris Clapp Gilliam of Elon. He enjoyed celebrating every holiday with the extended Clapp Family, and never missed an opportunity to have a delicious meal and fun times.

David’s kindness even during his illness, his faith leadership and steadfast love of God, country and family will always be remembered.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 4 – 6 pm at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N Elm Street, Greensboro, NC. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, September 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church. A private interment will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Winston-Salem, NC.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Christian Assistance Fund, 1000 W Friendly Ave Greensboro, NC 27401. Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home at North Elm Street Greensboro is handling all arrangements.