David Newcomb Obituary

David Ronald ("Ronnie") Newcomb passed away peacefully at home in Zephyrhills, Florida, on Friday, May 5, 2023, just before his 76th birthday. Born May 17, 1947, to Eugene Rice Newcomb and Mary Jeanette Spurling of Campbellsville, Kentucky, he looked up to his older brother Eugene Max and sister Linda. After graduating from Louisville Male High School in 1965, he joined the United States Air Force. He served in Vietnam, and while stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, he met and married Gertrudes "Lydia" Jabonete. Together they raised eight children, Amanda Jean, Mary Jean, David Marvin, David Ronald Jr. , Gregory Scott, Jeanette Lynn, Michael Eugene, and Rosa Linda. In addition to Clark Air Force Base, Ronnie served at Ft. Campbell, KY; Shaw Air Force Base, SC; Scott Air Force Base, IL; and Peas Air Force Base, NH. As an air traffic controller in the Air Force, Ronnie was honored for helping save the life of a lost pilot running out of fuel by guiding him to a safe landing. He also guided the aircraft carrying John McCain after he was released as a prisoner of war. He achieved several other military honors before retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force. In retirement, Ronnie and Lydia lived in Brandon, FL; Temple Terrace, FL; and Zephyrhills, FL. A life-long learner, Ronnie took classes at St. Leo University and kept up with all kinds of technology. His grandchildren will remember the incentives he gave them for getting good grades. He gave all he could to take care of his family. A joy in the last days of his life was meeting his new twin great-granddaughters. In addition to three great-grandchildren and his sister Linda, Ronnie is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Lydia; eight children; and sixteen grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Eugene Max Newcomb, and his grandson Spc. Zachary Charles Moore, United States Army, near whom he will be interred with military honors at Florida National Cemetery. Services for the family will be at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 US-301, Dade City, FL 33525, on Thursday, May 11, 2023. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of David Ronald Newcomb, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Memorial Donation