Dr. Ronald Bruce Newell, 77, died at his home in Greenwood on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 in the morning on Monday, August 14, in Greenwood at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 until 11:00 preceding the service, which will be officiated by The Rev. Don Chancellor. Interment will follow the service in the Columbarium Courtyard of Nativity Church.

Bruce, who was born on January 20, 1946 in Meridian, was the second son of Alice Ruth Thompson Newell and James Altus Newell, Sr., both of whom predeceased him. Educated in the public schools of Meridian, he graduated in 1964 and excelled academically and as an athlete. He was elected Mr. Meridian High School. He lettered in football, basketball and track. In football, he was named Most Valuable Player, All Big Eight, All State, All Southern and All American. Playing as quarterback in the North-South All Star game, he was selected Most Outstanding Back.

Upon graduation, he headed to Ole Miss to play football under Coach John Vaught. During the era of freshman football, he played quarterback on a team remaining undefeated for the first time in a decade. During his sophomore year he moved to defense where he played strong safety. In his junior year he was named starting quarterback and played the position through his senior year. During this time, his team was invited to play in the Liberty, Bluebonnet and Sun Bowls. Bruce was a member of the M-Club and an academic All-American. Coach Vaught also chose him to be the first President of the Ole Miss chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The National Football Foundation presented him with the Scholar-Athlete Award for the Ole Miss Chapter. Bruce continued his lifelong bond with his teammates as they gathered regularly at his condo in Oxford on big game weekends to reminisce.

Bruce's studies were in Pre-Med, and he graduated from the School of Liberal Arts in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Sociology. While at Ole Miss, he was honored with inclusion in Who's Who and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the honorary fraternity for outstanding academic achievement. He was tapped for membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, a national honors leadership society, which was the highest leadership honor that a student could attain at Ole Miss. Bruce was also a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

The summer after college, Bruce served as Sports Director at Alpine Camp For Boys in Mentone, Alabama. He enjoyed his time on the mountain and built many deep friendships there.

Bruce next attended the University of Mississippi School of Medicine from which he graduated in 1972. He then began an internship at Lloyd Noland Hospital in Fairfield, Alabama and completed a year of general surgery residency there also. From 1974-1977 he was a resident in the Orthopaedic Surgery program at the University of Alabama Hospital. Following his training, he remained in Birmingham as a member of Norwood Clinic and was active on the staff of Carraway Methodist Medical Center for 15 years. In 1978, Dr. Newell was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. During his time at Carraway, he had the opportunity to mentor many residents in orthopaedic surgery while serving on the staff of a Level I Trauma Center. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to his patients and often said he couldn't imagine being anything other than an orthopaedic surgeon.

The various societies he participated in were Jefferson County Medical Society, Alabama Medical Society, Alabama Orthopedic Society, American Medical Society, Southern Medical Society and the Birmingham Academy of Medicine.

While in Alabama, Dr. Newell served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 13 years. He was a member of the Medical Army Surgical Hospital Unit and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a proud American and enjoyed all patriotic holidays immensely.

On November 26, 1987, Bruce married Linda Carol Moore at Troy Plantation near Grenada. After five years together in Birmingham, in January 1993, they moved to Greenwood where they began a new life in the Mississippi Delta. Joining the staff of Greenwood-Leflore Hospital and Greenwood Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Newell practiced for 23 years there, serving three years on the hospital's Executive Committee as well as its Chairman. He began associations with the Mississippi Medical Society and the Mississippi Orthopedic Society.

Bruce was enthusiastic about Ole Miss sports, served two years as President of the Birmingham Rebel Alumni Club, and followed especially the football, basketball and baseball programs. Most Wednesdays were spent playing golf with his late friend Dr. Tommy James at Annandale Golf Club. Bruce enjoyed his church and was a faithful communicant of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity. He kept a good book going, usually a mystery, and had a continuing practice of Bible studies. His Christian faith was deep and abiding. Crossword puzzles were a daily challenge he eagerly welcomed. An avid animal lover, he particularly enjoyed his two Westies, Newton and Lynley.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 35 years Linda, his brother Dr. James Altus Newell, Jr. and his wife Diane of Charleston, SC and his sister Janet Ruth Newell of Jacksonville, FL. His sister-in-law Ginger Cooke (Steve) of Clarksdale, and brothers-in-law Lee Moore of Oxford and Trey Moore of Calhoun City also survive him. He leaves behind nieces Dr. Sarah Newell Taylor (Andy) of Madison, CT, Amanda Newell of Atlanta, GA and Molly Cooke Myres (Rivers) of Clarksdale, as well as his nephew Justin Newell (Sarah) of St. Augustine, FL. He is also predeceased by his niece and goddaughter Alexa Cooke.

Memorials honoring Bruce may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Greenwood Leflore Hospital Foundation or St. Jude Children's Hospital.