Randy was born October 5, 1956 in Warren County, NC to the late Palmer and Geraldine Newsome. His fondest childhood memories were of time spent playing outdoors with his brother and beloved cousins. As a teenager, he enjoyed playing in a rock ‘n’ roll band called “The Crystal Image.” He graduated from Littleton High School in 1974, after which he pursued further education at Wake Technical Community College.
In 1976 at the tender age of 19 he married Karen Rivers Newsome, his wife of 42 years. He would admit he had no idea what he was doing at the time, but God in His grace deepened their love for each other with each passing year. His quiet, steady love and care for Karen remained constant even as he fought cancer.
Randy was employed at RTI International for 30 years. He was a faithful member of Apex Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher and playing guitar in the praise band during his 32 years there. Some of his favorite activities were fishing with his son, listening to a bluegrass band, quiet evenings with his bride, and sitting on the porch swing while watching his grandchildren play. He was a gifted composer and musician; in fact, his diagnosis spurred him on to finish recording his magnum opus, an album of songs entitled “Relationships in the Shadow of the Cross.” It was his hope that his songs might inspire others to invest in meaningful relationships with family, friends, and with God.
Randy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen; his daughter Crystal Treece and her husband John; his son Andrew; his grandchildren, Luke, Claire, James, and Graham Treece; and his brother Steve Newsome.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday August 11, 2018 at Apex Baptist Church, 110 S. Salem Street Apex, NC 27502. A private graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Fuquay-Varina. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 2:15pm prior to the service at the church.
Memorials in honor of Randy may be made to Transitions Lifecare of Raleigh.
