Thomas W. Newsome, Jr.

Tom departed this life peacefully, at home on September 1, 2024. 

Tom was born to Mary Jane Hall Newsome and Thomas Wells Newsome, Sr in Ahoskie, NC. He was the eldest of their three children. Throughout his entire life he was affectionately known to family and friends as "Cokey" or "Tom." Tom lived a fulfilling life of 85 years devoted to his family and his insatiable love of his favorite pastime, flying his airplane and being a private aircraft inspector.

Tom was baptized at New Ahoskie Baptist Church at an early age. He was educated in the Hertford County Public Schools. Upon completion of his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his tenure he was introduced to what became his lifelong passion, aviation engineering. After a 4-year stint, he returned to Ahoskie and began working with his father building homes throughout Hertford County which included the building of New Ahoskie Baptist Church. 

In 1968 Tom began a career in law enforcement which began with the Ahoskie Police Department for a short period of time. 

In 1970, he came to Virginia and joined the Nansemond County Sheriff's department which merged with the city of Suffolk in 1974 where he remained until his retirement in 1996. 

During his time with the Suffolk Police Department, he was a top-notch detective and an area Sergeant. "Sarge" as he was known to his fellow officers and friends, was known for his strong work ethic, his personal and professional character as well as his acute attention to detail during his tenure with the police department.

Tom also attained his private pilot's license and became a certified private aircraft inspector. His thoroughness was displayed with every function involving aircraft maintenance and inspection over the years. Toms' attention to detail extended well his professional life, if it could be flown, driven or lived in he had the ability to be the best "Mr. Fix It" man you could find.

On October 21, 1994, Tom met Barbara, who would eventually become his wife. We bonded quickly and in a very short period of time realized our unrequited love for each other. Over the last 30 years our commitment and love brought us much happiness and peace. My heart is broken at losing him, however, the love we shared will remain in my heart forever. Our 30 years of memories will remain etched in my memory as long as i live. 

Tom embraced his blended family. He was a man of upstanding character, dignity and intellect. Toms' legacy of kindness, hard work, and practically will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Tom will always be remembered by his dedicated and loving wife Barbara, his son Randall Newsome (Erica) of Winter Haven, FL; his granddaughter Shannon Cozart (Arnold) of Kansas City, MO; his great-grandchildren Xavier Wells and Emelia Sharon Cozart of Kansas City, MO. Tom was preceded in death by his brother Darryl K. Newsome and sister Sharon J. Newsome Hackett. He leaves behind a host of cousins, relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly. 

A celebration of life will be held 1:00pm, Thursday, September 19, 2024 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. Mr. Newsome will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.