Brigadier General Kenneth Raynor Newbold, PhD, (Army National Guard, retired) died Sunday, March 1, from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Newbold served North Carolina public education for three decades, beginning as a teacher and principal in Wake County.
Dr. Newbold served as principal in Richmond County, principal and assistant superintendent in Sampson County, assistant superintendent for Greensboro City Schools. He served as superintendent in Scotland County and Greensboro City Schools.
In 1989 Dr. Newbold served as interim deputy state superintendent of Public Instruction in North Carolina.During active duty service with the U.S. Army in Korea, Ken attained the rank of staff sergeant with the 31st Infantry, 7th Division.
Following his transfer to the U.S. Army Reserve he advanced to the rank of first lieutenant. As Brigadier General, Army National Guard, he served as commander of the 30th Infantry Brigade (mechanized) (Separate].
A lifelong Presbyterian, he was an active member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Rose Hill. Ken attended First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington with his parents, Jerry and Jessie. During that time he joined Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
His commitment to education led Ken to teach Sunday school in a number of churches throughout his career.He also served as a deacon, elder, and presbytery moderator of the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina. He served for six years at the national level as a member of the General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
A strong supporter of women and children, Ken was made an Honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women, Inc.A devoted public servant, Ken gave his time to numerous not for profit organizations. Among others he served on the boards of directors of the Duplin County Board of Elections (chair), Duplin County Library, District 61 State Employees Association, Moore’s Creek Battlefield Association, Rose Hill Jubilee Inc., and North Carolina Military Historical Society. He served on the Advisory Committee of Tuscarora Boy Scout Council and as chair of the Rose Hill Jubilee (1993 and 1994).
Ken is a member of Davidson College’s R.O.T.C. Hall of Fame and a recipient of awards that include Lion’s Club International’s Distinguished Service Award, the U.S. Army Legion of Merit, Calvin Wiley Educator of the Year, Army Commendation Medal, Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award, North Carolina’s Personnel and Guidance Association Administrator of the Year (1978), and Eagle Scout with six palms.
Ken is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ellen (nee Sheffield), his son Joe (Amy) and daughter Lisa (Jeff), grandson Drew; sisters Caroline Swails, Jessie Kennedy, and Ann Perkins Newbold and his brother Jerry, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his twin brother Harper.
In lieu of flowers, Ken and the family request donations in memory of Ken Newbold to any of the following:•Duplin County Library Memorial Fund, Town of Rose Hill, P.O. Box 8, Rose Hill, NC 28458.
•Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 188,Rose Hill, NC 28458
•Vidant Hospital Foundation for the Palliative Care Unit, P.O. Box 8489, Greenville, NC, 27835.
Memorials: Friday, March 6, Graveside service with military honors, 1:30 pm, Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Rose Hill, North Carolina. Memorial service, 2:30 pm, Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, 129 East Main Street, Rose Hill. The family will greet guests after the service in the Mt Zion Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Published in The News & Observer on Mar. 4, 2015