Steven Newhouse

Steven Harold Newhouse, a man of boundless curiosity and diverse talents, died of heart failure and complications with Pulmonary Fibrosis on January 13, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. just days shy of his 80th birthday. Born and raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan on January 16, 1945, Steve was predeceased by his parents Harold Walter Newhouse and Mary Louise Newhouse, and his brother, Walter Frederick(Rick) Newhouse.

Steve graduated from Western Michigan University in 1967 and earned his MBA in 1968. He went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 as Adjutant and Personnel Officer of an Air Defense Artillery Battalion stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.



Steve's career of 43 years as a dedicated Human Resources professional was very important to him. He began his career with General Foods Corporation in 1971 and went on to make an impact at many different companies across the country. Notably, he spent 20 years with Watkins Motor Lines in Lakeland, Florida, where he was instrumental in facilitating the transition to FedEx National LTL. He retired in 2012 from the FedEx Freight Corporation.

Upon retirement, Steve and his wife Cheryl moved to Boone, NC where he was able to focus on his many hobbies. In 2016 he returned to the workforce as a professor at Appalachian State University, where he passed along his knowledge and zest for life to future generations.

A true Renaissance man, Steve pursued a wide array of interests throughout his life. A proud Eagle Scout and member of The Order of the Arrow, he was also an accomplished artist who worked with watercolor, colored pencil, and Zentangle techniques, earning first place at the Union County Senior Games. As an amateur magician, he delighted children with his performances. He was also an avid scuba diver, fly fisherman, and camper who cherished time outdoors with his family. A lifelong lover of music, Steve played harmonica and dabbled in ukulele.

Steve's passion for bourbon and barbecue led him to become a Master Certified Barbecue Judge for the Kansas City Barbecue Association and later a competitor on BBQ cook teams. He also volunteered with Operation Barbecue Relief, serving meals to victims of natural disasters across several states, and was a founding member of the Boone Bourbon Club.

Professionally, Steve authored *And You Call This F-ing Leadership* and served on numerous boards, including the Watercolor Society of North Carolina and the United Way of Central Florida. He was also a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Boone, NC.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Newhouse; his son Grant Newhouse and daughter-in-law Jamie Newhouse; his granddaughter Georgia Rose Newhouse; and his daughter Rebecca Newhouse Podorsky and son-in-law Miroslav Podorsky.

Per Steve's wishes, there will be no public service and he asks instead that all who love him please lift a glass in memory of him. He requested to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in the Gulf of Mexico so that he can forever watch his favorite sunset. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Operation Barbecue Relief in his name, so that he can continue to support the efforts of the organization he loved so dearly. Donations can be made via the following link or address:

https://volunteers.operationbbqrelief.org/donations/donate-now

Operation BBQ Relief, PO Box 414378 WS #198, Kansas City, MO 64141

He was legendary for never meeting a stranger and always being quick with a joke. Even in his final days, he swiftly endeared himself to the medical staff working with him, and even managed to sell a few of his books. He never failed to bring a smile to the faces of those around him, and his outgoing personality has left a lasting impression on each and every person he came into contact with. His family will remember him fondly driving his red Miata convertible while blasting Chuck Berry with a smile. May his memory bring comfort and joy to all who knew him.