Joseph Lee Newsome

Joseph Lee Newsome, known to all who loved him as Joe, passed peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2026, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was 75 years old. Born on March 17, 1951, in Winston-Salem, Joe lived a life defined by hard work, quiet generosity, and a genuine warmth that stayed with people. He was a man of the Baptist faith.

Joe served in the US Army and the Army National Guard Reserve until the early 1980s. He also spent years with the City of Winston-Salem Utilities Department, keeping the city’s water and utilities running for the families of Winston-Salem. He went on to build a long career in construction, remodeling, and handyman services — work that suited him perfectly, as there was little Joe couldn’t fix with his hands and his patience. In his later years, he found a home at Goodwill of Northwest North Carolina, where he became a familiar and beloved presence. He was well regarded by customers and coworkers alike — Joe was easy to talk to, and people appreciated that about him.

His pleasures were uncomplicated and deeply felt. He loved tinkering and fixing, the satisfaction of a thing made right. He loved music, the outdoors, and the simple pleasure of a cross-country drive with no particular destination in mind. Most of all, he loved his family. To his grandchildren, he was “Gawgaw” — and there was no higher title.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Iris Newsome; his brother Ralph; and his sister Joyce. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Deborah; his sons, Joseph Lee, II, and Walter Reid; his grandchildren, Ashlynn Brooke, Caroline Louise, and Jackson Reid; his sister, Gladys Sue Mitchell; his dear friend and fellow tradesman, Gene Holder; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Homegoing Service information is as follows:

Visitation at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at New Bethel Baptist Church 6340 Ridge Road, Tobaccoville, NC 27050, with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Elisha Robertson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Trellis Supportive Care, which operates the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, for their compassionate care in our family’s time of need. Donations may be made at trellissupport.org.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joseph Lee Newsome. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

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