A Celebrated Life – Rev. Dr. David S. Newell

In Loving Memory of Rev. Dr David S. Newell

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. “

2 Cor. 5:8

Beloved husband, father, pastor, and friend

Rev. Dr. David Stout Newell

Pastor David Stout Newell passed away in his home, in the presence of his family, on Saturday, November 18. He was born to Henry and Helen Newell on April 10, 1943, in Springfield, New Jersey.

In 1962, while attending Wittenberg University, Dave encountered Jesus, who forever changed the trajectory of his life. After answering the call to ministry, he attended Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving his Master’s Degree and Doctor of Divinity.

Upon graduating, he moved to New Orleans, becoming youth pastor and eventually co-pastor at Word of Faith Church. There, he met the love of his life, his wife, Ina Johnson. Together, they served loyally and loved countless members of the community of Word of Faith for nearly 25 years. On June 22, 1997, Dave and Ina started River of Life Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dave was a history buff and enjoyed golf and racquetball. But his real passions were preaching the word of God and seeing people’s lives changed through the power of Jesus. His legacy will live on at River of Life Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ina with whom he just celebrated their 53rd anniversary. Together, they had three sons, Andrew, Charlie, and Matthew, two daughters-in-law, Tamara and Maurya, and three grandchildren, Henry, Zoe and Clara.

Funeral Services

Viewing: Friday, November 24th, 6-8 pm at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, Wake Forest.

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Funeral Service: Saturday, November 25th, 11 am at River of Life Raleigh.

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Graveside Burial: Saturday, November 25th, following the funeral service, at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, Wake Forest.

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In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the River of Life Church Memorial. Donations can be sent through PayPal.me/riveroflifedonate or Venmo at @RiverMemorial1997. These contributions will continue the legacy of Pastor Dave’s ministry and his heart for the church.