A compelling story of life, an honorable man. Joseph Ted Newsom, 81, of Pensacola, FL, peacefully went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 16, 2013, at his home. Joe was born and raised on a farm on July 15, 1931 in Geneva, AL, and later moved to Pensacola, FL in 1949 where he discovered the love of his life, Virginia Gomez Newsom. Together, they touched the lives of everyone they met. Joe retired after 36 years of service as a telephone service technician with Bell South Telephone Company. He earned many distinctions during his loyal service and was also a revered telephone pioneer. Joe shared a passion for inspiring children, not only his own children and grandchildren, but also those he coached in the Ferry Pass Baseball youth program. To many of his friends, Joe's name is synonymous with a hardworking man, a love for fishing, and an incredulous passion for University of Alabama football. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He truly cherished every moment spent with his family, and never missed an opportunity to bring a smile to their face. Above all, he was a man of Christian values, honor and love, not only for his family, but for all friends that had the opportunity to share a moment of his time. Joe will be remembered for his big heart and contagious sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, D.B. Newsom and Dosia Hinson Newsom; two brothers, J.H. Newsom and Haward Newsom; sister, Genelle Brunson; daughter in law, Pat Newsom; and honorary granddaughter, Melissa Russo. Left behind to cherish memories of Joe are a loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Virginia Gomez Newsom; three children, Michele (Brian) Begley of Pensacola, Joseph Ted Newsom, Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA, and Timothy G. Newsom, of Atlanta, GA. Survivors also include four grandchildren, Scott (Tricia) Harper, Matthew L. Newsom, Kristen H. (Jake) Emerson, and Amy E. Newsom, and great granddaughter, Harper A. Emerson. Joe's surviving siblings include brother, Bob (Joy) Newsom of Pensacola, FL, and sisters, Hazel Brunson of Michigan, and Mae Rose Stone of Georgia. Family and friends are invited to attend a service celebrating Joe's memory on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Msgr. Michael Reed will be officiating. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park. Family will receive friends at visitation on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Pallbearers will be Scott Harper, Matthew Newsom, Jake Emerson, Hal Newsom, Gary Stone, and Wayne Brunson. Honorary pallbearers include Ernie Wilson, John Reaves, Jim Parker, Mac Kellum, Tom Harris, Frank Gomez, Istvan Gaspar, Jim McClain, and all friends and coworkers of Bell South Telephone Company. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joseph T. Newsom to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or locally to, Emerald Coast Hospice, 1555 N. Palafox, Pensacola, FL 32501. The family would like to express a special thanks and acknowledgement to all physicians, nurses, and staff at Emerald Coast Hospice and all those who provided care for Joe, for the compassion, care, and respect shown during his time of need.