W. Stanley Newbold

Stan was born on October 18, 1946, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the eldest of three children. He grew up in a rural area outside of town proudly known to locals as “Rabbits Corner”. From an early age, Stan was active in his church, attending Mt. Herman Methodist Church Sunday school and earning perfect attendance awards for 10 years. As a teenager, he joined the church youth group (M.Y.F.), where he enjoyed the fellowship and friendships that would become an important part of his life.

Stan attended Central High School, where he played football and was an active member of the FFA. He was also a dedicated Boy Scout and, as an Explorer, earned the “God and Country” award, an accomplishment of which he remained extremely proud.

In 1965, Stan married his childhood sweetheart, Retha Ranhorn. They always joked that Stan pushed her tricycle…but she steered! Their life together took them to Chapel Hill in the late 1960s, where Retha pursued her education and Stan sharpened his skills in sales while developing an appreciation for specialty and gourmet foods at Fowlers Food Store. They easily felt comfortable in the Triangle area and made it their permanent home.

The Newbold family found their place in Parkwood, a new-concept housing community where they built a life filled with friends, travels, and many wonderful memories. Stan had a curious and adventurous spirit and found joy in so many things. He was an avid gardener, natural artist, wine enthusiast, gourmet food and chocolate aficionado and international traveler. He also loved the beach...especially the sand, sun, and anything else that came with it.

But perhaps what Stan loved most was people. He had a natural gift for bringing people together and was always looking for ways to connect their skills, interests, and friendships. He was a mentor to many and was generous with his time, knowledge, and encouragement. He could find something to enjoy in just about anyone and had a way of making people feel important.

Above all else, Stan was devoted to his family. Through all of his adventures, interests, and years of entrepreneurship, his greatest pride and joy was the family he and Retha built together. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and the love of a family who will carry those memories with them.

Stan is survived by his wife, Retha R. Newbold; daughters, Angela Newbold (Wayne Christy) and Stephanie (Gary) Hahn; grandchildren, Kristy (Jonathan) Rosko, Brittney (Zach) Lansdowne, and Brian Hahn; great-grandchildren, Addy and Rowen Leitch, and Xander and Shiloh Rosko; brothers Paul (Cheryl) Newbold and Charlie (Carol) Newbold; brother-in-law Vann (Monica) Ranhorn; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Wilbert Newbold and Ruby L. Newbold Wood.

A celebration of life will be held on September 19, 2026, at Triangle Grace Church in Durham.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Stan’s favorite ministries, the Durham Rescue Mission or Staff of Hope.