Donald Ray Newman

Donnie Ray Newman left this world on Sunday, August 6, 2023 to join his parents, Jim and Del Newman in the sweet by and by. He was 55 years old and died peacefully in his sleep. Donnie was born in Richmond, VA on March 26, 1968. He grew up in Powhatan, VA and graduated from Powhatan High School in 1986.

Donnie worked as an elevator technician for a number of years until he branched out to work for himself as a repo man. He could be found driving his wrecker at all hours of the day and night. Donnie was passionate about car racing and spent the majority of his time at Southside Speedway in Chesterfield, VA. Car racing was his life and his friends in this world became family to him. Donnie played football in high school, coached when he got older, and enjoyed friendly competition with his brother about which NFL team was the best. Donnie loved the Dallas Cowboys and his brother, well, we won’t even mention that sorry excuse for a team here. Like his father, Donnie enjoyed deep sea fishing and anything related to beach life. 

Donnie is survived by a brother Keith (Mo); two nephews Stephen (Tiffany) and Lewis (Kasey); 3 great-nieces Sadie, Summer, Carter and a great-nephew Rivers. In addition, he leaves behind his bonus family of step-mother Sharon and step-siblings Lisa (Michael), Jennifer (Ben) and Jamie (Eric). Donnie was especially close to his relatives and cousins on the Dickson side of the family as well as the Fournier clan from up north with the funny accents. Donnie never met an enemy and will leave behind many friends who were very special to him. These same friends describe him as having a heart of gold and being someone they could always count on. He will be sorely missed by friends and family alike. Special thanks and acknowledgement of Monica and Dennis Holder who opened their home to Donnie and took outstanding care of him during his most recent convalescence. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Shiloh New Covenant Church 665 Anderson Highway in Cumberland, VA 23040 at 11:00 am. The service will be officiated by Pastor Kyle Corbin. A reception will be held after the service in the church fellowship hall. Donnie will be laid to rest beside his mother in Powhatan, VA at a yet to be decided future date in a private family ceremony. The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out to us to offer condolences and assistance during this difficult time. It means more to us than we can adequately express here.