In memory of W. Ray Newman

Ray's obituary: W. Ray Newman was born in Oklahoma City on October 27, He was the second of three sons born to R.W. "Buck" and Bessie Newman. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he returned home and met his future wife, Nancy Childers, at the State Fair of Oklahoma. The two were married in December, 1959, and had three children, Paul, Patti, and Pam. In 1961, W. Ray began his career in homebuilding and land development. He was an active member of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, serving as President in 1979 and named Builder of the Year in In the mid-90's, Ray retired from homebuilding and focused on land development. Oklahoma City boasts numerous subdivisions he created including River Bend Estates, The Meadows at River Bend, and most recently, Blackwood Farms. He was very proud that his son, Paul, his daughter, Patti, and his son-in-law, Jeff, continue the homebuilding legacy. No matter how busy he was, he always found the time to pursue his hobbies. In the late 60's, he raced modified stock cars and in the 70's, he was obsessed with golf. In the 80's, he tinkered with collecting and restoring antique cars. All of his other hobbies came and went, but his love of hunting and fishing was a constant. He was an enthusiastic bass fisherman. After exhausting all the lakes in Oklahoma and the surrounding states, he traveled from Canada to South America in search of that elusive catch. (Click for next slide)

In 1985, he finished the cabin on his farm near Butler in western Oklahoma. "The farm" was his second home and his pride and joy where he enjoyed wing shooting, as well as deer hunting. One of his favorite rituals was the annual trip to New Mexico in search of a trophy elk. As much as he loved the "thrill of the chase", he loved the friends and family he hunted with more. His hunting and fishing buddies were like family and he treasured their friendships. His latest hobby came somewhat late in life. At age 60, W. Ray took up shooting sporting clays and FITASC. In 2001, he obtained the sport's highest honor by becoming the World FITASC Super Veteran Champion. He was also a sporting clays All-American and Team USA member every year since Team USA won numerous championship medals, the latest as recent as September, His shooting not only satisfied his competitive drive, but also broadened his circle of friends. He looked forward to traveling to the shoots and making friends along the way. Ray Newman died peacefully on December 25, 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was 72 years young. He was an honest businessman; he was a loyal friend; he was a gentle sportsman; and he was a beloved father and grandfather. He was larger than life and will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Bessie Newman, his younger brother, Johnny Dean Newman, and his former wife, Nancy Childers Newman. Ray is survived by his older brother, Gene Newman and wife, Virginia, and by his three children: Raymond Paul Newman and wife Barbara, Patti Newman Mayorga, and Pamela Newman Peck and husband Jeff. He was blessed with three grandchildren, Noah Newman Peck, Jack Garrett Newman, and Kaylee Nicole Newman. Paul Newman (Click for next slide)

Prague 2007, World FITASC

Belgium 2007, Grand Prix FITASC

Ozark 2003, Pam-Am FITASC

Claythorn World FITASC 2006

Hunter’s point NC, Sept 2007, Grand Prix FITASC

US Open 2003, Hopkins Maryland

US Open 2007, Hopkins Maryland

US Open 2005, M & M, New Jersey

Westside sporting ground, England, 2006

World FITASC England 2005

World Sporting San Antonio 2005

World FITASC France 2004

World FITASC Prague 2007