David Robert Newman

Quietly he lived, quietly he fought, and quietly he passed from this life to the next.

David Robert Newman (1950–2025) was born in Troy, Alabama, to Robert and Martha Newman. He passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 75.

A standout athlete at Charles Henderson High School, David starred in football, basketball, and track. He earned a scholarship offer to play football at the University of Alabama before a knee injury in his final high school game ended his playing career. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama.

David began his career at General Electric before moving to Talladega to manage Talladega Box & Lumber, where he eventually served as President. His leadership extended beyond corporate America; David faithfully served on the boards and committees of First Methodist Church of Talladega for 18 years. He found peace singing in the choir and worked tirelessly to honor the Lord's house through his stewardship of the building and its finances. A master woodworker, David leaves behind a legacy of handcrafted treasures that will be cherished for generations.

He loved watching and attending sporting events, especially Alabama football. He was deeply involved in coaching his sons' youth soccer and baseball teams and found great joy in attending his children's and grandchildren's events and activities. David was an excellent and innovative cook, loved a good steak, a handful of peanuts, and spending time at the beach.

In his later years, David faced pulmonary fibrosis with the same quiet resolve that defined his life. In 2020, he defied medical odds to qualify for and receive a double lung transplant. Though the pandemic forced him to recover in isolation, he was never alone; his wife, Janice, was the light of his life and his constant support. Together, they turned this difficult season into a way to help others. Nurses often referred transplant candidates and patients to David to answer questions and offer encouragement along their journeys. David became someone nurses could "send people" to when they faced a similar diagnosis.

David is survived by his wife, Janice; his sons, Brad (Amanda) and Matt (Claire); stepdaughter Amy (Clark); stepson Mark (Tina); grandchildren Asher and Selah, Holly and Beth, Chase (Lauren), and Bayleigh (Kaleb); and great-grandchildren Hallie and Truitt. He was preceded in death by his sister, Emily Head.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, January 4, at 1:00 p.m. at Talladega First Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, David requested that donations be made to the TFMC Building Fund or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/ways-to-give).

Oline condolences may be made at www.usreyfuneralhome.com

Usrey Funeral Home Talladega is directing services.