WILLIAM "BILL" RAY NEWMAN

William “Bill” Ray Newman, 91, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Leonardtown, Maryland, where he had been residing with his daughter, Kimberly Newman, and her husband, Jeff Barnaby, for the past few years.

Bill was born in Lee County, Virginia, on January 18, 1935, where he lived much of his life. He shared his love of bluegrass music, horses, and bowling with everyone around him. He enlisted during the Korean War and served three years in the Army, earned his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, and was employed with Virginia Social Services for 35 years.

He is survived by his three daughters: Pamela Boggs (Phil), Kimberly Newman (Jeff), and Lynsie McDaniel (Ryan); and five grandchildren: Raesta Boggs (Tanner), Peyton, William, Graham, and Raelyn McDaniel. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Cowden; his special great-niece, Savanna Parsons (Dustin); and his nephews, Greg Newman (Keli) and Michael Newman. During his final years in Maryland, he enjoyed getting to know his step-grandchildren: Kirsten Thompson (Scott), Kyle Barnaby (Jana), and Cameron Barnaby (Alex); and his two step-great-grandchildren, Wade Thompson and Raela Barnaby.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Burley and Mattie Newman; his brother, Jimmy Newman; and his niece, Teresa Watson.

You are invited to join the family for Bill's Celebration of Life in the Solarium at Karlan Mansion, 8051 Wilderness Road Trail, Ewing, Virginia, on Sunday, April 12, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Karlan Mansion cannot receive flowers, so in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mountain Music School at Mountain Empire Community College. To donate, please email mountainmusicschool@mecc.edu or call 276-523-9142.