Joseph Wayne Newsome

Joseph Wayne Newsome (Joe) passed away on January 2, 2026. Although his passing was quite a shock to all who knew him, his kindness, empathetic heart, compassion, and patience were not. He had the ability to relate and converse with people from all walks of life. His open and understanding nature revealed to all who knew him that they were accepted as they were, without judgment.

Joe was born on September 16, 1958, in Marshville, NC. His early years in Marshville included work on the family farm, instilling a deep love for the outdoors and animals, as well as an admirable sense of responsibility. He spoke fondly of those years, and of his treasured relationships with immediate and extended family. That love remains today.

Joe's family relocated to Youngsville, NC in 1973. A natural athlete, Joe played football and ran track at Franklinton High School. He was known in those years as "The Runner" amongst Youngsville residents and as his football team's kicker, he was dubbed "Golden Toe." This was another period that held precious memories.

Joe's work life began in the warehouse at Cort Furniture Rental, where he quickly moved into management. He developed many close relationships at Cort during his 10-year tenure. Cort is where he met Rebecca, his future wife.

In the late 1980s Joe left warehouse management to get back outdoors, transitioning into the lawncare industry. He began this career via EPM Lawn Care and horticulture classes at NCSU. Joe derived great satisfaction from his work, resulting in starting his own company, Joe Newsome Lawncare and Landscape, in 1997.

Joe's livelihood gave him the opportunity to form numerous close relationships with customers, developing bonds far beyond the realm of lawn care. Many of his customers became additional family members to him. He evolved into the "man of the house" for some of his widowed customers, repairing numerous plumbing, lighting, and general household issues. At times, he served in the role of counselor. He was an innately good listener and lent his empathetic shoulder to those who needed it.

Joe had both knees replaced in 2022, forcing him to reduce his customer base by half, followed by other significant cuts. He had decreased to 5 customers at 2025-year end. His clients meant the world to him and he was grateful not only for their business but for their friendships.

Beyond his work skills, Joe possessed the knowledge and uncanny self-taught ability to build, repair, and perform any task related to homes, vehicles, machinery, plants, and pretty much anything else. His family never had to worry or even think about these

needs. Joe anticipated and took care of every single thing, small and large. He was always there, and always ready to help.

Joe's pride and devotion to his family was at the core of his being. He and Rebecca married on May 16, 1987. Joe said that his love and admiration for Rebecca fueled and motivated his own direction and energy to succeed. Two of the happiest days of Joe's life were the days Emily and Clay were born. He was not only proud of the people Emily and Clay were, but of the people he saw them becoming. His love for Hattie Mae, especially after his proclamation of never owning another dog, was profound.

Joe's goal in retirement was to spend time with his beloved family, his friends, and his Hattie. The steadfast care of his mother and making life fun for those he held dear, especially in the role of boat captain and grill master, were his top priorities. We will forever cherish his spirit. We do not believe that we will ever recover from the loss of his physical presence. We know he will always be with us.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Newsome, and his stepfather, Russell Dew.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Robinson Newsome; his children, Emily Newsome and Clay Newsome; Clay's significant other, Paloma Harrington; his "silly goose" pit mix, Hattie Mae; his mother, Mavis Deese Newsome Dew; his sister, LaVonne Newsome, and her husband, Bill Cram; his cherished brother, Todd Newsome; many extended family members, including in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and dear friends Delmer and Jan Atkinson and Dan and Claudia Crocker.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to SPCA of Wake County (spcawake.org) or Wake EMS Research and Historical Foundation (wemsfoundation.org)

A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in the funeral home chapel. The family will receive friends prior from 1-3 PM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587.

The family invites those unable to attend to view the service via livestream: Joseph Wayne Newsome Memorial Service

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Newsome family