McRay Newsom

McRay Newsom passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born in Harrisburg, AR, to Pete and Mae Newsom and grew up there with his older brother Paul and younger sister, Bettye. He served 5 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves, and while stationed at Robins Air Force Base met Annelle Bridges. (“A Georgia peach that made him forget about Arkansas”) Following his honorable discharge from the service, he attended The Georgia Institute of Technology and earned a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating, Ray worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority before joining the Georgia Department of Transportation. He later accepted a position with C.W. Matthews Contracting Company where he remained until he retired as a Senior Vice President. Ray and Annelle made Atlanta their home and were married for 54 years until her death in 2007. They were active members of their church, Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta and made many lifelong friends. Ray served in many leadership capacities including Deacon and President of the EEE Sunday School Class. Professionally, Ray was active in the Georgia Asphalt Pavement Association, where he served as President in 1980-81. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, farming, and reading. Ray is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Cheryl Fleming (Tim) of Cumming, GA; son, David of Atlanta; four grandchildren, six great grand-children, and several nieces and nephews. The family will honor his life during a private graveside service at Forsyth City Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial donations to Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, EEE Sunday School Class Helping Hand Fund, 2715 Peachtree Rd. NE; Atlanta, GA 30305. Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.