Ronald Abshire Newman, 83, of Portsmouth passed away, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at his home. Ronald passed peacefully in the home he shared with his late wife, Phyllis Jean (Eshem) Newman. He was born October 12, 1940 in West Portsmouth to the late Kenneth and Mildred (Abshire) Newman.
Known as Ron he was an Eagle Scout (Troop 19) in his youth which he was quite proud of. After graduating from the top of his class from Portsmouth West High School in 1958, Ron enlisted in the US Army in 1963 after a brief time at Ohio University. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and returned to Portsmouth in 1965. He met and married his wife Phyllis and began working as a union carpenter, a career that would last for fifty years.
He was a fifty-one-year member of the James Dickey Post #23 of the American Legion. He also was a member and past Master of Nauvoo Lodge #769 on multiple occasions. In his retirement he enjoyed time spent with the line dancing community in the tristate. He valued family above all and worked with his hands everyday so his memory will live on in the homes he built in the area. He was often referred to as the best wood worker in this town. His legacy will live on through his work, his children, and grandchildren.
Ron is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Lynn Seagraves, and Kathyrn (Kathy) Lianne Newman both of Portsmouth; three grandsons, Christopher Seagraves, Samuel Newman, and Jaxon Newman; one granddaughter Reagan Newman; sister Brenda Delamora; cousin Dave Newman; beloved niece Robin Bentley of Portsmouth; and many other nieces and nephews; family that he found along the way Carrie and Bailey Bennett and Rhoda Whisman. In addition to his parents and wife, Ron was also preceded in death by a daughter Samantha Elaine Newman and grandson Robert Clay Seagraves.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 Sunday, March 17, 2024 at D.W. SWICK FUNERAL HOME in New Boston with Pastor Ralph Clay officiating. A Masonic service will preceed the funeral service. Interment will follow at Scioto Burial Park in McDermott with Military Graveside Rites presented by the James Dickey Post #23 of the American Legion. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. (NOON) until 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at DWSwickFuneralHome.com.
