Dr. David C. Newell, Jr.

A funeral mass for Dr. David C. Newell, Jr. will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Augustine Palimattam officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements. 

Dr. David Newell, Jr. age, 76, of Meridian passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at his home. 

David C. Newell Jr. was born in Meridian, Mississippi on April 12, 1949. He attended St. Patrick Catholic School, Meridian High School, Mississippi State University, and eventually Auburn University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree and most importantly, met his wife Rita Rush Newell to whom he was married for 52 years. He and Rita returned to Meridian in 1973 where he practiced veterinary medicine at Till-Newell Animal Hospital for 47 years. Dr. Newell was a long-time supporter of the Mississippi High School Rodeo Association. His participation started when his children were contestants. He was a positive influence on countless young people who participated in this organization. He made many lifelong friends through high school rodeo. He served as the National Director for Mississippi to the National High School Rodeo Association from 1996 through 2001. In 2020, he was inducted into the Mississippi Rodeo Hall of Fame in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary contributions to the sport of rodeo in Mississippi. Dr. Newell served two terms on the Mississippi Board of Animal Health and served on the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine for 30 years. Dr. Newell was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. In his retirement he supported his grandchildren in their activities, continued his cattle farm, and did a lot of bird hunting with several very good friends. He was loved and respected by everyone that knew him. He was the rock of his family and was always there with love, support, and a solution if needed, in good times and bad.  

Survivors include his wife of 52 years Rita Newell; children, Dr. Daniel Newell (Amy) and Christy Pritchard (Anthony); grandchildren, Gracie Newell Terry (Mason), Libby Newell, Zane Pritchard (Lauren Pickett), Wes Pritchard, and Anna Kate Pritchard; sister, Dianne Manning (Ed); sisters-in-law, Katherine Newell and Mary Bramblett (Steve); brother-in-law, Ken Kizziah; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, David and Helen Newell; brother, Robert "Bob" Newell; sister-in-law, Pam Kizziah. 

Pallbearers will be Zane Pritchard, Wes Pritchard, Tommy Jackson, Bud Brown, R.W. Williams, Milton Jenkins, Jay Chancellor, Chris McNeil, and David Cotton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ray Hedgepeth, Kevin Hedgepeth, Dr. John Temple, Gary Gordon, and Richard Ferguson.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

A visitation will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.