J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Obituary For Dr. George Newby Jr.

Dr. George Newby, Jr.

On September 22, 1956 George Paul Archie Newby Jr. was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to the late George Paul Archie Newby Sr. and the late Alma McIntyre Newby and immediately and forever became the gleam in their eyes.

Archie Jr. as he was known at home was a smart, fun loving, friendly child and those qualities would define him for a lifetime. He had an infectious, warm smile and personality that let you know he cared about you when in your presence. He was George to most who met him after college and in his professional life, Dr. Newby to his students and affectionately known as Bird, as coined by his fraternity, throughout his college life.

Archie excelled in school and attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies majoring in Zoology. It was there in Chapel Hill that he met the love of his life, Bonita Carol Perkins. They were blessed from the beginning with a genuine friendship and a love from which fairy tales are made. With 39 years of marriage she was unequivocally the love of his life. They were blessed with two sons, Jonathan Alan and Joshua Michael who were his pride and joy. In July 2017, Jonathan married Alysha Kiffin-Bruce who immediately became the daughter they never had. George affectionately called her “Sweetums.”

Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with family and friends. He and his sister, Alison, shared a special bond that was evident to all.

George was gifted in so many areas, After graduating from UNC-CH, George obtained a Master of Public Health from Yale University and later a Doctor of Public Health from The University of South Carolina. He dedicated his professional life to “serving the least of these” in seeking accessible healthcare for all. After working in hospitals for several years he changed his focus to community health. He moved to Spartanburg to serve as CEO of ReGenesis Community Health Center. Under his leadership the health center grew to eight locations and a dental office. After receiving his doctorate, he entered the world of academia to pursue his passion for teaching by becoming an adjunct professor at USC Upstate. In this capacity he hoped to ignite that same desire in his students.

George was an avid sports fan and on weekends could be found at church, smoking something delectable on his Big Green Egg or watching sports. Football season was his Christmas and anyone watching a game with him needed earphones as he screamed at the screen. George loved God and exemplified what it meant to be a godly man. He began each morning by bringing his wife a cup of coffee and then spending time in fellowship with his Heavenly Father. He and Bonita NEVER left the house in the morning without prayer first. George was active in every church he joined whether it was singing in the choir or serving as a Deacon or Trustee. Most recently he served as a trustee at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC where he chaired the church’s recent expansion, the Nehemiah Project.

In the community he served as well. He worked with numerous boards and several community organizations address health care disparities. He was a charter member of the Mu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at UNC-CH and was affiliated with several chapters throughout the years.

On October 17, 2020 George transitioned to his eternal home.

In addition to his loving wife, sons, daughter-in-law, and sister, cherishing his memories are: his mother-in-law, Carolyn Perkins; sister-in-law, Dr. Jean Perkins Blackley (Donnie); niece, Sonja Little; and so very many cousins, fraternity brothers and friends.

When you think of a life well lived, Dr. George Paul Archie Newby Jr. personified that. There is no doubt that he was welcomed into heaven with a resounding “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Oh, what a remarkable son, husband, father, brother, and man indeed!

Due to Covid concerns the family will be having a private service. The service will be live-streamed beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 on Youtube. Search for: Memorial Service for Dr. George Newby Jr.

Dr. Newby will lie in state on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC. Due to Covid concerns, the family will not be present.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nehemiah Project (Building Fund) of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6001, Spartanburg, SC 29304. ..

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Guest Book

Dearest Newby family: We just found out about the loss of George, and our heartfelt blessings are sent your way. Please know that George taught me so much while working at Regenesis and he was the one who taught Michael about the "Big Green Egg" smoker. Through his instruction of the best cooker, we have enjoyed one for more than 15 years. We both are so honored that God allowed our paths to cross. George was a very special person and please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. In Gods most powerful love, Darla and Michael Kleiner

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Bonita, We love you guys and want you to know we are praying for you and your family. There are no words adequate to express how we feel at this time, George was a special kind of person, he showed how much he cared about others in many ways. We truly are happy to have know George. May God bless and keep you... Archie & Rubye Calhoun

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Bonita, I know you are in survival mode, just trying to breathe and put one foot in front of the other. With time, I hope you feel comforted by the memories of the love and joy that kept you and Bird connected throughout the years. When a gentle breeze blows, remember his love. When the sun shines brightly remember his smile and the warmth and of his embrace. When the river ripples slowly, remember his spirit and kindness. Please take comfort in the memories that surround you, as they will sustain you. You are ever present in my thoughts and prayers. REST IN POWER, BIRD! ~Sylvia Collins

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Dear Bonita & Family, Your Cousins, Dorethea & Dennis Are Very Saddened About The Loss Of Your Husband, Father, Father-In-Law, Brother, Son-In-Law, Brother-In-Law, Cousin, Fraternity Brother & Friend To Many Through The Years. "Bird," As We Called Him, Lived A Very Well Accomplished Life And His Accomplishments Will Be Forever Remembered And Appreciated. May The Peace And Comfort Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ Be With The Newby & Perkins Families Now And Always. Love & Blessings-

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC