Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
1617 Market St.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Robert Newman Obituary
Born in Lynch Station, Virginia in 1924, he was the son of the late Robert C. Newman and Nadine Miles Newman. He served 30 years in the Air Force as a pilot, squadron and wing commander, and in a number of staff jobs.
He flew combat missions in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. His 22 military decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army and Air Force Commendation Medals. He retired from the Air Force in 1973.
As a second career, he headed the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Southern High School, Graham, N.C. for 14 years. He and his wife moved to Wilmington from Burlington, N.C. in 1993. He served in the Wrightsville Beach Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 11 years.
He was a member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church, the Air Force Association, the Association of Naval Aviation, the Military Officer Association of America, the Quiet Birdmen and the Wilmington Senior Men's Club. He was a past member of Rotary International, Burlington, N.C. and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland, the Naval War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Josephine, of the home; daughters Kathy Reed of Wilmington, and Elizabeth Brown and husband, Alan, of Richmond, Virginia. He is also survived by a son, Dr. Robert J. Newman and wife, Anne, of Virginia Beach, VA; Seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren also survive.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Newman Hall.
Visitation will be on Sunday, April 29 from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Wrightsville United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Lain officiating. Burial will be at Sea Lawn Memorial Park, Hampstead, N.C. at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wrightsville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 748, Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480 and/or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Online condolences may be offered at www.andrewsmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Newman
Charles Hornaday
April 19, 2024
He was one of the BEST of the Greatest Generation and a true American who is very missed!
Charles Anderson
April 7, 2022
I moved away from Wilmington almost three years before Bob died. I still find it hard to digest. Everything anyone has said on this board is true for his life was one of quiet heroism, in the truest sense. 25 B-17 missions over Germany, and he brought every crewman back alive, a man of quiet sensibility, upright character, and my favorite because we talked politics a lot over lunch, the world's last living moderate Republican. What will we do now? (Josephine, "Jo" by the way, was a perfect partner as 71 years proves.)
Jeffrey Butler
April 19, 2020
The greatest of men that God put on this earth!! Colonel Newman I am so blessed to have known you in my lifetime!! You were without a doubt one of God angels on earth!
Ann Smith White
April 19, 2019
I sure do miss the those phone calls. I spoke to Mrs Newman recently and she is such a delightful lady. The Col and Jo always loved each and everyone of the ROTC students. Always encouraged each of us to be "the best" we could be.
Russell Burnette
April 19, 2019
Col.Newman is a very important person in my life, concerning my military background. He was my instructor in ROTC while I attended Southern alamance high school. A great and very helpful leader in some of my important decisions in life. He was always there for myself as well as many others. God Bless you ser. Prayers.
Darren Poe
May 30, 2018
Col. Newman was a true hero to his Country and community. I first met him in 1984 while in ROTC at Southern Alamance. His leadership and knowledge have had a positive impact on me since then. He was an outstanding leader and gentleman and will be missed.
Joy Guenther
April 30, 2018
Bob was so thoughtful and caring. He would hold a parking place, physically, for my husband, Chris who could only walk short distances. They knew each other years earlier during work in Washington DC and Chris thought the world of him. Bob was also so kind in his remarks at Chris' service in 2014, so dear to my family at the time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I am so thankful you two crossed our lives paths and we had the opportunity to know you.
Carol Ryan
April 30, 2018
Bob Newman was a client of mine (Carol's Clip Joint-haircutting) when I had my first shop on Oleander Drive and my second in Odgen area (now Tame the Mane-barber shop). A terrific gentlemen who also introduced us to the, now defunct, WBMC yearly cookout. Since my husband and I come from Brooklyn, NY he would tell us of his granddaughter when she lived in that area. Always enjoyable and he brought his wife in (Mrs. Newman did not get her hair cut, but we loved her anyway), we had great conversations. Mr. and Mrs. Newman are truly great people. Another star in heaven but a loss to America...RIP, Bob, and thank you for all you've done for us and give to us. Condolences and blessings to all your family and especially, Mrs. Newman
April 30, 2018
Bob and Jo Newman are the finest finest people we have ever met. Bob was the absolute epitome of an honored veteran. We can all go thru a lifetime and never meet a giant such as he......fortunately we were honored to know him and love him. Prayers for Jo and their family. Alice and Joe Tysinger
I always Loved this picture, and the Newman Family
Charles Hornaday
April 29, 2018
Bobby McAdams
April 29, 2018
Mrs. Newman and the Newman family ,
From 1978 to 1982 I took great honor and pride as a member of the AFROTC unit at Southern Alamance HS . The accomplishments and awards statewide were a testament to his leadership ! I know this is a sad moment in your life , but you should feel proud knowing Col. Newman touched so many young people . He was a example of a great man and I was honored to say he is a part of who I am today ! RIP and thank you Col. Newman
Jim White
April 28, 2018
Mrs. (Jo) Newman and the Newman family,
I remember meeting Colonel (Bob) Newman for the first time in late summer of 1973. He took me down to his small office in between the Band & Choirs rooms at Southern [Alamance] High School where we chatted about several things but in the end he convinced me to join the AFJROTC program; which I did and it started a lifelong friendship and set me on the path of a military career.
In our eyes, you and Bob have always treated Ann and me as one of your own. When we were married both of you two took time from your busy schedules to come to our wedding and through the years you two always welcomed us when we were in the area and took the time to send us letters offering words of encouragement when we were having some challenges ourselves. You all were always gracious host and we were so happy that you and Bob were able to meet our two granddaughters. They were thrilled to get to meet their grandparent's school teacher; they thought that was really neat.
While Ann and I will miss the annual Christmas cards that highlighted the families' travels and accolades throughout the year [along with the small personal note that he always put in each one] and hearing his voice with the phone calls talking about our families and how to solve the world's problems. But most of all, we will miss him.
It is with a heavy heart that we all have to say good bye, to a wonderful man, mentor, idol and the best role-model one could ever hope to have. He was an inspiration to so many of his students and to all of those he touched, we are truly blessed.
In closing, no words of mine can offer any comfort in these times but take solace in knowing that while the world is a lesser place without him, heaven has truly received an angel.
Our deepest condolences and love to you all,
Lillie Crews
April 28, 2018
I knew Col. Newman when he was at Southern Alamance High School. Every year he had his Jr ROTC students to enter our scolarship program. He then chose the best entries for our judging. He was truly an officer and a gentleman and the best friend a veteran could have.
Lillie Crews
VFW 1920 Auxiliary
Debbie Coble Newell
April 27, 2018
He was a sweet man. I was assigned to be his secretary for business education at Southern High School for the ROTC program. Did a lot of typing for him. He was always kind. So sorry for your loss.
Jan Beste
April 27, 2018
Bob and Anne, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. He sounds like an amazing man. Lots of love to you both.
Jeffrey Butler
April 27, 2018
The greatest of men with a gentle and kind soul! You enriched every life you touched Colonel Newman! It has been a honor for me just to have known such a man like you! Jeff Butler
Clay Smith
April 27, 2018
Colonel Newman was my AFJROTC Instructor / Commander 1980-84. He helped me get a grip on reality and to keep me out of trouble with my difficult home life. He taught me how to be a man, a leader, a patriot and through his relationship with Jo, his wife, how to be a good husband and father. His modesty, humility and his old Virginia gentleman's demeanor made a lasting impression. He is my hero, I owe him my life. God bless you Colonel Newman.
With warmth & respect, RIP Colonel you will not be forgotten
Clayton N. Smith II, MSgt USAF (Ret.)
G Butler
April 27, 2018
God Speed Sir, G Butler USN
Charles Hornaday
April 26, 2018
Col. Newman was the best of the best of the USAF. Thanks to him, my Air Force Career was very successful and his friendship and leadership had everything to do with my decision to join the Air Force. It was an honor to know him and his family and an honor to have him as a teacher in AFJROTC at Southern Alamance High School from 1974-1978. Rest in peace Sir, you will be missed by many.
Michael Teague
April 26, 2018
One of the best mentors SHS ever had
Pastor Jay O'Dell
April 26, 2018
Honored to have had this man as an instructor and counsellor- directed me into the Navy for four years which helped form a work ethic we still live by today. May God richly bless and give grace to the Newman family during their lose.
Burke Robertson
April 26, 2018
It was an honor to have known Col. Newman, his love and dedication to us in JROTC is not forgotten, as part of him lives on in us. God bless and Rest In Peace.
Michael Neely
April 26, 2018
Rest In Peace Sir! You saved my life and guided me onto my AirForce career
Bill White
April 26, 2018
Jo, Through the years you and the Col were always there me and my brothers Jim and Ralph. His mentorship as as our AF JROTC instructor nurtured the desire of service for our country. The phone calls and letters during deployments while we were on active duty, are cherished memories that resulted into life long friendship that he shared with all three of us and our families. He always had a kind word and made time to take a call. He is now in Gods hands forever healed.
To Elisabeth, Kathy, and Robert, your father was true friend with a compassion for people. Just as he touched our lives during those formative years, he touched the lives of many others, especially those young men and women at Southern High School. May God's blessing of peace be with all of you during this difficult time.
Michelle P.
April 26, 2018
Thank you for being a Leader and quiet example of respect and Honor at SHS, even to those of us who were not in your program. It did not go unnoticed.
Ann WHITE
April 26, 2018
Oh, Colonel Newman we loved you more than words can say. You and Jo have always and will forever be in our hearts. Your continued love and support for Jim and I thought our high school and 38 years of marriage have made us much stronger than anyone would know. So glad our grandchildren were able to meet you both, they will always remember our time with you and Jo. Love you and you will forever be missed
Kim Hall
April 26, 2018
Thank you for being in our lives. Nancy and I will miss you very much. Thanks for all you and Jo did for my mother when she was ill.
Doug Griffin
April 26, 2018
A true officer and a gentleman. Not only a wonderful instructor, but a friend.
Vicki McDowell Lassiter
April 26, 2018
My first two years of teaching I taught between Southern Alamance and Graham High. I thought so much of Colonel Newman, one of the finest officers and gentleman that this Army brat had the pleasure to know. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dink Vaughn
April 26, 2018
I am so sorry to hear this. I have been to visit Col. Newman in Wilmington twice. Each time we were welcomed in his home and just talked.I Each time we visited him it was a educational experience. I could just listen to him talk all day. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Newman's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Newman
Funeral services provided by:
Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Newman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
