Biography: William Vernon Newman, son of the late Dr. William and Mrs. Leona Newman, passed away on August 30, 2023 at the age of 84. 
 
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Joyce Johnson Newman, originally of Walpole, MA; his sister, Laurie Jane Newman Guyton of Roland, AR; and a nephew, William Ashley Wood.
 
He is survived by his brother, Lee Glover Newman of Moreland, AR; his brother-in-law, Herbert Guyton of Roland, AR; his nephew, Roland Steele of Los Angeles, CA; and a host of friends and loved ones.
 
Mr. Newman was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Central High School in 1956 and was a member of “The 56ers,” an alumni group that remains active today.  He attended Little Rock University (now UALR) for 2 years, during which he was a member of the Air Force ROTC.
 
Vernon moved to New York City where he resided for 12 years,  pursuing a career in acting. While there, he took acting classes at Herbert Berghof Studio, participated in summer stock, and held several Off-Broadway roles. His most notable summer stock roles were in “Tobacco Road” and “A Shot in the Dark.”
 
In the early 1970s he relocated to California where he continued to perform. His most notable movie credit is “The Rainmaker,” based on a John Grisham novel and starring Matt Damon, Danny Devito, and Mary Kaye Place. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
 
In 1982 he met Sandie at an acting class. In the mid-1990s they moved to Little Rock and lived in the house Vernon’s mother had owned. They were together until her untimely death in 2014.
 
In 2015 Vernon became a founding member of his beloved church, Faith Builders Little Rock.  He was a blessing to the church’s growing congregation and was known for his friendliness and humor. His regard for others was a joy to all who knew him.  He learned much about the Word under his Pastors, Michelle and Philip Steele, whom he loved deeply.
 
Other important relationships were established during Mr. Newman’s time at Faith Builders. In 2017 he met Monica Starnes Rew a former high school classmate and her daughter, Ashley Rew Jensen, along with Ashley’s sister, Charlotte, and brother, Michael. In 2022 he was honored that Ashley asked him to speak at Monica’s funeral.  Since then Ashley, Charlotte, and Michael continued to stand with and provide loving care to Vernon. He often expressed his gratitude for thier help, as he did with many others who ministered to him. 
 
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 8 at 6:30 pm, preceded by a time of fellowship at 5:30 pm, at Faith Builders Little Rock, 10500 W. Markham, Little Rock.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Newman’s name to the charity of your choice.