James Dickie Newberry, or Dickie as he was known by everyone was called home on November 22, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 2, 1942 to James Newberry and Florabel (Doughty) Newberry.
He was the youngest of six children and he was the last of his siblings to be called home. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.
Dickie started his life as a shoe shiner in Ernest King’s barber shop at 10 years old.Dickie went to work for Phillips Dairy selling milk locally and delivering milk and putting it right at your door. From there he became a salesman for Colonial Bread almost 30 years. After retiring from Colonial Bread he bought and ran a convenience store in Tupelo Mississippi for about 7 years. When he sold the store he moved back to Waldron to care for his elderly Mom and became involved in carpentry. The final 27 years of his life he spent building and remodeling homes in Scott county. He worked up until the last 4 months of his life and he enjoyed nothing more than spending time in his shop working on some project. There was no one better at painting, staining and varnishing than Dickie. He could take a piece of raw wood, add a finish and make a thing of beauty.
Dickie and Phillis loved to bowl and went all over Arkansas to tournaments. They had many trophies to prove they were good at it. They had a special for love for their kids and grandkids. He will be greatly missed by friends and family alike.
He is survived by a son J.D Newberry and wife Margie of Waldron. A daughter Nancy Owens and husband Steve. Step children Bobbie Sue Bunten and husband Mike of Waldron, Howard Ridenhour and wife Misty of Houston, AR and Chris Ridenhour of Atkins, AR. He is also survived by grandchildren J.D. (Booger) Newberry, Magan Elmore and husband Clay, Grayson, Whitney, Lindsey, Allison Benedetti, Matthew Ridenhour, Chloe Ridenhour, Tyler Ridenhour, Alex Ridenhour, Brandy Peterson, Brittney Sweigart and Cindy Yarbrough. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Boston Elmore, Ava Elmore, Miranda Yarbrough, Jackson Benedetti, Cecilia Benedetti, Lucas Ridenhour, Cooper Ridenhour, Audrey Peterson, Tate Peterson, Lindley Peterson, Maeley Peterson, Cameron Alexander, Khi Alexander, Regan Alexander, Rhett Ridenhour, Reece Ridenhour.
He is preceded in death by his parents James Newberry and Florabel (Doughty) Newberry. Also by his sibling: Charles, Frankie, Jerry and Wando Newberry and a sister Martha Lou Watkins. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 25 years Phillis Newberry.
Dickie’s life celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at the Pleasant Grove #3 Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Dugan, Ray Jett and Roger Rice, officiating. Interment will be in the Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Dickie’s visitation will be at the Pleasant Grove #3 Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 where his family will will receive friends.
Pallbearers will be: Roger Rice, Rory Wadkins, J.D. (Booger) Newberry, Rick Black, Matt Ridenhour, Marty Gilbert. Honorary Pallbearers: Mary Ann Sanders, Bennie Newberry, Jeral Plummer, Dr. Nathan Bennett.
