2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200246D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2156

Offered June 19, 2026

Celebrating the life of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr.

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Patron—O'Quinn

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WHEREAS, Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr., of Abingdon, a highly admired football coach who guided young athletes at the high school and college levels, died on May 31, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Curtis “Curt” Wayne Newsome, Jr., grew up in Newport News and graduated from Phoebus High School at the top of his class; he continued his education at Emory & Henry College, now Emory & Henry University, where he was a four-year starter on defense for the football team and pitcher for the baseball team for three years; and

WHEREAS, Curt Newsome began his coaching career at the former Ervinton High School in Dickenson County, then moved back to Hampton Roads, where he coached teams at Phoebus High School, Kecoughtan High School, and Heritage High School; and

WHEREAS, Curt Newsome subsequently transitioned to collegiate football as an assistant coach at James Madison University and an assistant coach at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and

WHEREAS, in 2014, Curt Newsome returned to his alma mater as head coach of the Emory & Henry College football team; he guided the team for 10 seasons, serving as a trusted mentor to the student-athletes in his care and working diligently to ensure they had the tools and support they needed to succeed on the football field, in the classroom, and as leaders in the community; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his legacy of achievements, Curt Newsome was inducted into the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame after his retirement in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Curt Newsome will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Melinda; his children, Curt III and Elizabeth, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.