David Newsom, 53, of Hartselle, great-grandson of “Steamboat Bill” Hudson, passed away on Friday.
He was born on May 8, 1961, in Decatur, to Margaret Ann Newsom and Bobby Newsom.
His younger years were spent between Georgia and Alabama. Alabama would eventually become home again, and where he would graduate from both Austin High School and Calhoun Community College. Through his education he would later continue in the United States Navy.
David was married to Dale Evonne Higdon on July 31,1982. After over a decade of marriage they were divorced, yet love kept them close over the years.
Ever the quintessential big brother to everyone, not just family, David lived a full jack of all trades life, constantly reading and ever learning. Along his winding path of life he delivered pizza for Pasquale’s, kept in shape by rescuing many a swimmer as a lifeguard for the City of Decatur, and joined the Navy. He served his country both as an instructor on land and at sea as a Nuclear Reactor Operator aboard the USS Ray SSN-653, patrolling the Arctic as well as touring Great Britain and the Mediterranean.
Alabama would call him home yet again, and he began work for Monsanto, which would become Solutia and then finally Ascend Performance Materials. He worked there until his death, culminating as a DCS Tech, while aiding with the plant’s walkie talkies, serving as an on site paramedic as well as member of the fire brigade, working alongside his teammates in confined space and high line rescue.
Cancer and chemotherapy took their toll, and now he joins his father at the great fishing holes.
He is survived by his mother; his two sons, Jonathan and Joshua; his sister and brother, Debra and Darren, and a steamboat load of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you donate to your favorite charity, or only for a day, or only a minute, take the moment you have and aid someone, even if a stranger, pick them up if they are down. Stand up for someone, make someone smile and laugh, pass on some knowledge and take someone fishing.
A celebration of David’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 21,2015, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home.
