Celebrating the life of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Todd Pillion

The resolution ceremonially honors Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr.’s life and decades of coaching leadership at high schools and Emory & Henry College.

Bill text as passed Senate (SR2086ER)

Summary of SR 2086 (2026S1) — Celebrating the life of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr.

Purpose and intent

SR 2086 is a Virginia Senate resolution that publicly acknowledges and memorializes the life and contributions of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr., a respected football coach from Abingdon, Virginia.

The resolution serves as an expression of the Senate’s respect and condolences to Newsome’s family and reflects the impact of his career on students, athletes, and the broader community.

Key provisions and changes

Official recognition: The Senate notes with great sadness the passing of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr. (died May 31, 2026) and records a formal expression of respect.

Personal and professional background: The resolution provides a concise biographical summary, including:

Early life: Grew up in Newport News; Phoebus High School graduate, top of his class.
Education: Attended Emory & Henry College (now Emory & Henry University); four-year starter on defense in football and three years as a baseball pitcher.
Coaching career: Began at Ervinton High School (Dickenson County); coached at Phoebus, Kecoughtan, and Heritage High Schools; served as an assistant coach at James Madison University and Virginia Tech.
College head coaching: Became head coach of the Emory & Henry College football team in 2014, leading the program for 10 seasons.
Recognition: Inducted into the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame after retirement in 2024.

Formal actions: The Clerk of the Senate is instructed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Newsome’s family as an expression of the Senate’s respect.

Who is affected

Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr.: The individual whose life and contributions are being honored.

Newsome’s family, including spouse Melinda (married 43 years) and children Curt III and Elizabeth, as well as broader family and friends.

The Virginia Senate (as a formal body) and the wider public who value recognizing notable local figures and community leaders.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and presented on June 29, 2026, during Special Session I.

Action history indicates:

Laid on the Clerk’s Desk the same day.
Agreed to by the Senate on the same day.

No fiscal impact, statutory changes, or policy directives are associated with this type of resolution; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Overall takeaway

SR 2086 is a ceremonial measure commemorating the life and career of Curtis Wayne Newsome, Jr., highlighting his long-standing dedication to coaching at the high school and college levels, his leadership roles, and his recognition by Emory & Henry College. It functions as a formal gesture of condolence and respect from the Virginia Senate to Newsome’s family and community.