Ted Newberry

Ted Newberry, 84, of Austin, TX, was called by the Lord on September 9, 2011, to join his beloved wife, Joan. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, September 14, at the First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street in Abilene, with Dr. Clifford Stewart officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will greet friends immediately after the service at the church. Ted was born October 18, 1926 in Taylor County, Texas near Abilene. He attended Wylie and Abilene schools. After graduating from Abilene High School, he attended Texas Tech University. After enlisting in the U.S. Navy, he served in the Philippine Islands during World War II. He remained active in Navy Reserve Unit NMCB 22, the Seabees, until 1986. After returning to Abilene, he married Joan Elizabeth Hughes on July 14, 1951. They were married 52 years, separated by her death in 2003. As a partner with his brother, Hollis, in Newberry Auto Service for many years, Ted was a master mechanic and diagnostician renowned for his skill in the restoration of classic vehicles. One of his last projects was a 1979 Chevy truck with his grandson Billy. The truck was featured in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal when Billy was a student at Texas Tech. Also an avid gardener, the roses and iris he shared grace many homes all over Texas. His fabulous family dinners were great occasions featuring his home-grown vegetables. A member of First Central Presbyterian Church for 60 years, he served as deacon, taught Sunday school, worked in the Food Pantry, and was a member of the Friendly Class. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Ethel Holly Newberry, his wife Joan "Jodie", brothers Morris "Pete" Newberry, W.C. "Dub" Newberry, and sister, Tomilee Newberry. Surviving family includes daughters Melissa Andrews and husband Griff, Maryana Harrell and husband Don, sister-in-law Linda Hughes Schreiber and husband Mark, all of Austin, and Patricia Bogar of Abilene; brothers C. H. "Hollis" Newberry of Abilene, James D. Newberry and sister Martha A. Lorenz of Keller, and sister Mary O. Poplawski and husband Steve of Scottsdale, Arizona, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Papa Ted will be greatly missed by Billy Andrews and Luke Andrews of Austin, Leigh Harrell of Dallas, Brad Schreiber and Erin Schreiber Whitehead and husband Aaron of Austin. Elizabeth Anne Whitehead, born on September 7, 2011, will hear many stories about Papa Ted and Granny Jo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene or Helping Hand Home for Children, 3804 Avenue B, Austin, TX, 78751.