John O. Newby

John OliverNewby was born to the late Rilla and John Henry Williams in Surry County on June 8, 1935 and was the eldest of eleven children. Mr. Newby attended Surry County public schools and earned a GED in the state of Louisiana while serving in the United States Army. February 1967, he founded, owned and operated Newby's Plumbing & Heating. He invested in his education over several decades ensuring his trade and work was professional. He maintained membership in the local and national engineering society and attended annual conventions to keep abreast of latest innovations. He was licensed by the state of Virginia in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical and refrigeration. Mr. Newby provided service to Surry County and surrounding communities for over 50 years. He served as President of the Surry County Branch NAACP for 28 years (1981-2004) where his administration launched the first Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast that continues today. He was a member and past president of the Surry County Electoral Board; member of the Surry Distinguish Men's Club; a 33rd Degree Mason and past Commander-in- Chief of Petersburg Consistory #144; member and Past Master of George H. Dabney Lodge #201 Surry, VA. Above all, Mr. Newby wasa faithful member of Cypress Baptist Church inElberon, Virginia. He servedas president of the Board of Trustees and attendedSunday school regularly. Inpreviousyears, he served as an usher and was president on the Usher Board. He believedin giving his time and talents tothechurch. He completedmanyprojects including installingthe first central heating and air conditioning in the church; designedthe dining hall, kitchen, pastor's office and clerk's office; and installedthechurch's marquee. Mr. Newby enjoyeddesigning and building. He designed the building for Runnymede Hunt Club in 1982 and assisted his late brother, James in constructing his home.In 1981, he built his own homein Surry,where four generations ofNewbyshave enjoyed for over 40years.Mr. Newby thankedGod every day for keeping him andblessing him to be of service to others.He peacefully transitioned in his home on Sunday, May 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Williams; sister, Julia Mason and son, JonathanO. Newby.Mr. Newby leaves his cherishedmemories tohis:wife,JoeAnnE.Newby;daughter, AdrieneL.Newby;daughter-in-law,Regina Newby;granddaughter, Arielle Newby;grandsons, Jonathan and Braxton Newby;loving great-grand-son and best friend Jayson Brown; hisfive sisters: Mary Gibbs; Portia Green (Elmer);Sarah Bell, Rev. Dinah McCullough;andLinda Bright (Stevie); five brothers: Robert H. Williams (Lizzie); Rev. Willie Williams (Harriet); Melvin Williams; Ralph Williams (Amanda);andClinton Williams; sister-in-law, Wanda Hill; Aunt, Julie Keys; Uncle, Elder Henry L. Newby; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The voice of our beloved patriarch is still and will be missed dearly. We will forever cherish memories of his love and candor. The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Newby will be private, however, it will be live-streamed on our Facebook Page. Viewing will be held Wednesday, May 20 from 4-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. John O. is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Newby family in your prayers.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Newby will be private, however, it will be live-streamed on our Facebook Page. Viewing will be held Wednesday, May 20 from 4-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. John O. is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Newby family in your prayers.