Larry Marel Newsom's Obituary
Larry Marel Newsom, 56, of Flagler Beach, FL passed away on August 23, 2020 at Advent Health Palm Coast. After suffering from variety of physical ailments, his body finally gave out on him. Larry was born September 30, 1963, in Milton, FL to the late Haward and Margaret Newsom.
Larry was a proud Eagle Scout. After graduating from Milton High School, he attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he also played football. He received his degree for a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Building Technology and Civil Engineering Design with minors in General Science, Mathematics and Music. After graduation, Larry moved to Sebring, FL and began working for RJR Nabisco. Sebring is where his love for golf blossomed.
Larry moved back to Milton, where he began his career in government, beginning his passion for civil servantry. In Escambia County, Larry started with the Engineering Department Surveying Crew, which led toward the years he worked in traffic engineering, progressing to the Chief of Traffic Operations/Commerce Development and Government Affairs positions, as well as serving as “Ombudsman” to handle citizen complaints. He was a longtime assistant county administrator, who excelled to the highest ranking official in county government-interim county administrator three times during his nineteen years with Escambia County. While Larry was interim-county administrator, he was faced with numerous disasters: The Deep-Water Horizon BP oil spill, CSX train derailment, the April 2014 floods, and the county’s Central Booking and Detention Facility explosion.
Larry served as Flagler Beach City Manager from January 2016 up until his passing. During his time as City Manager, Larry was recognized for his leadership and help getting the city through Hurricanes Matthew, Irma and Dorian, rebuilding of the Pier and A1A multiple times.
Larry enjoyed many things, but was particularly passionate about music and sports- especially golf! Larry was fun and outgoing, and loved being part of the Flagler Beach community. He enjoyed being in the company of others and surrounding himself with good friends. He was equally passionate about serving others, always striving to help others through the good and bad that life invariably brings.
Larry is survived by his wife of 17 years, Lisa, and their beloved dog Abby, his mother, Margaret Ruth Newsom and brother Gary Hinson Newsom (Beverly), of Somerville, AL. He is also survived by his nephews Andrew Haward Newsom and Matthew Carlos Newsom, niece Karen Newsom Lee, great-nieces Kiana Silva and Elliana Lee. He was preceded in death by his father Haward Hinson Newsom.
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service will be assisting the family during their time of bereavement.
“The Bright Side of Life”, A Celebration of Larry Newsom will be held at Tortugas in Flagler Beach on Friday, September 4, 5-7pm
An additional celebration will be held in the Milton/Pensacola area, details to be determined.
Please visit www.HeritageFlagler.com for ongoing updates as they become available.
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