George Welton Newsome

George Welton Newsome, 90, of Colonial Heights arrived in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg.
Born on Oct. 27, 1922 in Emporia, Va., Mr. Newsome was a devoted Christian for much of his life and, together with his late wife Alice Hazel Newsome of more than 58 years, served as the spiritual bedrock to his large family. He was rich in Biblical principles and possessed an unwavering commitment to his relationship with Christ, raising his many children in that manner and influencing his array of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren to make the Lord their No. 1 priority in life.
Mr. Newsome made an impression on any crowd he was among as a people-person that could have conversation with anyone. His large persona with his signature voice made him a popular and beloved figure.
After getting saved in his young adult years at a Gospel tent meeting featuring Evangelist Oliver B. Greene, Mr. Newsome initially attended Emporia Assembly of God. Later when he and Mrs. Newsome made their home in Colonial Heights, they became charter members of Colonial Heights Assembly of God, now called Life Church.
Nobody was more faithful in church commitment than Mr. Newsome. He was there just about any time the church doors were opened during the bulk of his life. He served as a board member, Sunday school superintendent and prayer partner among his many roles at his church.
Mr. Newsome was blessed with intelligence and gifting way beyond his third-grade education. He retired from the Federal Prison Industries in Petersburg. Before that, he was a longtime employee for Leete Tire and Battery in Petersburg.
In his spare time, Mr. Newsome put his mechanic skills to good use in fixing up many vehicles that he would often resell for side money. He could fix just about anything with a motor, including lawnmowers and boats.
Mr. Newsome was one of seven children born of the late Nat and Vedie Newsome. He was preceded in death by three of his siblings.
Mr. Newsome is survived by 10 children: George Welton Newsome Jr. and wife Shirley of West Nyack, N.Y., Vernon Newsome and wife Ethelyn of New York, Weymon Newsome and wife Marie of Edenton, N.C., Zacky Musselwhite and wife Sandra of Virginia Beach, Va., Dennis Newsome and wife June of Tampa, Fla., Nancy Grubbs of Rowlett, Texas, Vedie Newsome of Colonial Heights, Dwan Newsome and wife April of Waynesboro, Pa., Donnicia Cogle and husband Tom of La Plata, Md., and Dwight Newsome and wife Frances of Burleson, Texas.
He was preceded in death by Clarence Harrison Musselwhite Jr. of Chester who was married to Brenda.
Mr. Newsome leaves behind a family tree in full bloom with 25 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, two sisters and a brother.
The celebration service in his memory will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at Life Church, 16801 Harrowgate Road in Chester.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Chester Chapel, 3050 W. Hundred Road. Condolences and memories can be shared at http://www.jtmorriss.com/obituaries/George-Newsome .
Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park in Chester at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 14.