Charles Newborn

Brother Charles Newborn was born on August 20, 1937 in Witherspoon, Arkansas, to the late Charlie Newborn and Azolete Scott Newborn. He was the ninth child of ten children.

Charles accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Savior. Throughout his life, he touched countless lives as an educator, electrician, mentor, hunter, veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His legacy is one of integrity, generosity, and selfless dedication. In 1964, Charles met the love of his life, Barbara Hendrix Newborn, and their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were united in marriage in 1969 and built a loving home centered on faith, family, and service. Together they raised two children, Charles Newborn II and Jennifer (Brian) Thomas. He found immense joy in being "Pawpaw" to his three granddaughters, Lydia, Emory, and Joi, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to his life.

A proud 1956 graduate of Peake High School in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Charles understood early the value of education and hard work. Following high school, he enrolled at Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Industrial Education. His studies prepared him to teach technical and vocational education at the secondary and collegiate levels, equipping future generations with practical skills and knowledge.

Upon graduating in 1960, Charles answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served two years on active duty and four years in the Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). During his military service, he expanded his knowledge of electrical systems, building upon skills he had begun developing while in college. Charles continued his education through studies at Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, and received additional specialized electrical training in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After years of experience in the electrical field, he earned his Master Electrician License, breaking through barriers; becoming one of the first African American Master Electricians in Arkadelphia. He often spoke with gratitude of his mentor, Mr. Herbert Snowden, whose guidance helped shape his career and whose influence remained dear to him throughout his life.

After completing his military service, Charles returned home determined to invest in others. He first served as an instructor with the Job Corps before beginning his distinguished career in education at the Rosenwald School in Delight, Arkansas. There, he taught science, industrial shop, and history while also serving as lead teacher and principal. His contributions to the Delight School District were later recognized during a special celebration honoring his years of dedicated service.

Charles later continued his teaching career in the Malvern and Arkadelphia school districts, completing more than fifteen years as an educator. Throughout his career, he inspired students through science and industrial education. Even years after leaving the classroom, former students continued to greet Charles with gratitude, proudly reminding him that he had been their teacher and that the lessons he taught in science and industrial arts (shop) had made a lasting impact on their lives.

After dedicating fifteen years to education, Charles transitioned to a career in industry, accepting a position with Reynolds Metals Aluminum Plant. He later continued his career at DeGray Lake, where he served for several years, concluding his professional career as a security officer at Henderson State University before retiring fully.

While his accomplishments in education were great, many in the Arkadelphia community remember Charles most for how he answered calls for help without hesitation. A gifted electrician known for generously providing his services, often free or of little charge, he worked tirelessly to restore hope by wiring homes, businesses, and churches. His expertise, compassion, and willingness to serve helped countless families and organizations was a part of him and his passion in life.

Charles remained active in civic, educational, and church organizations throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, the Arkadelphia Chapter of the NAACP, Clark County Arts and Humanities Council, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Alumni Association. He faithfully served as an Assistant Sunday School Teacher at Davis Memorial Church of God in Christ. He also devoted countless hours to the Peake High School Alumni Association, generously giving both his time and financial support to preserve its history and strengthen future generations. He was a 2021 Buffalo Hall of Fame Inductee.

Charles Newborn, Sr. will be remembered for his craftmanship, humor, kindness, wisdom, generosity, humility, and commitment to serving others. Whether teaching in a classroom, mentoring a person, restoring electricity, serving his church, or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, he lived with purpose and passion. He loved to hunt, fish, and attend The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, his alma mater, events during his spare time.

His legacy stands as a testament to the power of education, service, faith, and perseverance. He will also be lovingly remembered by the families of the Newborn’s, Scott’s, Hendrix, and McClellan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Newborn and Azolete Scott Newborn, his wife, Barbara Newborn, along with his sisters and brothers, including Mattie Smith, Lucian Newborn, Bertie Lee Cooper, Doris Green Willis, Millie Hartgraves, Eloise Walls, Jimmy Mack Newborn, Bennie Lee Newborn, and Annabelle Bryant. He leaves behind a sister, Gilda Batan (Chicago, Il), a sister-in-law, Bertha Fae McClenton, (Blevins, AR) his children and grandchildren, a nephew who was a devout support in taking him to doctor’s appointments in his elderly years, Kenneth Moore, along with countless other special nieces and nephews.