William Russell Newton of Houston, Texas passed from this life on March 23, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus Newton and Virgie McKenzie Newton, sisters, Ruby Sockwell, Polly Hester, Jean Jackson, and Betty Horrocks, and brother, James Marcus Newton. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Russell graduated from Auburn University in 1965 with a B.S degree in mechanical engineering. Early in his career he worked with civilian contractors at Marshall Space Flight Center where he worked on the Gemini and Apollo programs. At the conclusion of the Apollo program, he worked for Sperry Rand and Tennessee Valley Authority for a time and then spent thirty-three years working for NASA until his retirement. He enjoyed family and friends and photography. He was dearly loved by all who knew him.
A private graveside service will be held at Colbert Memorial Gardens in Tuscumbia, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Nashville, Tennessee; Arms of Hope, Medina, Texas; Foster’s Home for Children, Stephenville, Texas; Healing Hands International, Nashville, Tennessee; Houston Church of Christ, Houston, Texas; or Mars Hill Bible School, Florence, Alabama.
The family expresses a special thanks to Aaron and Denise Mouser, Russell’s special beloved neighbors.
