William Randolph Newcombe, Jr., 81, known to all as Bill, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, in The Villages, Florida.
Born on July 24, 1943, in Richmond, Virginia, he was a devoted husband, accomplished engineer, and beloved member of his extended family. A graduate of Varina High School, Class of 1961, Bill continued his studies at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) before earning his degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech). He was licensed in four states and spent a distinguished career contributing to major companies including Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, and Discover.
Among his notable professional accomplishments was his work on the heating and air conditioning control systems for Disney’s Contemporary Hotel at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as contributions to the technology used in Disney’s Hall of Presidents attraction. He was also awarded a U.S. patent in 1987 for a receiver/driver/repeater interface, reflecting his lifelong passion for innovation and technology. Bill was a proud member of several professional organizations including ASHRAE and the IEEE Communications Society, which he was affiliated with for more than 30 years. His early years were marked by leadership and excellence, participating in the Beta Club at Varina High and DeMolay International, a youth leadership organization. Bill was known for his deep curiosity, especially when it came to technology. Always considered “the tech guy,” he enjoyed researching products thoroughly, often becoming the family expert on computers and electronics. His wisdom, generosity, and meticulous approach to problem-solving were gifts to all who knew him.
In 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Newcombe, and together they celebrated 61 years of marriage. The couple enjoyed a lifetime of travel and adventure before retiring to The Villages, Florida, where he remained intellectually engaged and deeply connected to his family.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Newcombe, Sr. and Virginia Newcombe; his brother, Wayne Newcombe; and his brother-in-law, Herman “Pete” Wells, Jr.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Newcombe; sister-in-law, Katherine Newcombe; nephew, Michael Newcombe; niece, Joy Sourbeck (Gregg); sister-in-law, Judith Zulliger (Chip); niece, Kelley Nix (Michael Hearell); sister-in-law, Janice Wells; niece, Shannon Depace (John); grandnephew, Ryan Hicks; grandnieces, Amber and Annie Depace; and grandnieces, Meghan and Kaitlyn Sourbeck.
A funeral service will be held at Bliley’s Funeral Home on Hull Street Road, followed by a graveside service and interment at Dale Memorial Park.
Bill will be remembered as a faithful husband, dedicated professional, and trusted source of wisdom to all who knew him. His legacy of knowledge, dedication, and love lives on in the many lives he touched.