John Rufus "JR" New

John Rufus "JR" New was born in Nashville, TN to John and Blanche New on November 1, 1947. His mother did not want him born on October 31st it was shear will power that she held out to 3 minutes after midnight. His father was part of a quartet known then as the Oakridge Quartet later and more commonly known as the Oakridge Boys. His father was seriously injured in a car accident on the way to a performance and was in a coma for 6 months. He miraculously recovered and said God has told him to become a pastor. After completing seminary the family moved to Raleigh, N.C. where JR grew up as a PK. After being caught transporting moonshine, he was given a choice of 5 years in county jail or enlist in military service. He enthusiastically enlisted in the Army, serving from 1968 to 1971, completing three tours of duty in Vietnam as an Army medic. Following his time in the military, he was a caregiver for the elderly and following that he worked as a computer programmer for GTE aka Verizon. But his dream job was a clerk at 7-11, where he got to meet and talk with people all day. He loved that job until he finally had to give it up due to his health in 2005. In the early part of 2003 JR came to Redmond following a major surgery where he fell in love with the beauty of Central Oregon and the surrounding mountains. He returned several months later when he and his wife Linda were married August 8, 2003. Their marriage was truly fairy-tale like, happily ever after. In 2004 they joined the Redmond Christian Church where they served on the Worship Team and later as leaders in Celebrate Recovery. JRs love and his gift to family and friends was his amazing ability to tickle the ivory keys. Playing everything from blues, pop, rock-n-roll, country, gospel and contemporary Christian. Southern Gospel was his true love, having spent years singing and playing for The Gospel Ambassadors and Gospel Melody Boys. Locally, he played with several groups, Autumn Leaves and Lost and Found. Bring music to various churches in the area and retirement homes. JR said there are only two ways you could make him sing or play music, ask him, or let him. JR is a member of Band of Brothers, Redmond Chapter and volunteered with JS1 "Just Save One" until recent months. While JR may have been forced to enlist, his love of country was genuine he was a true patriot. Often saying he would do it all again in a heartbeat. We have a 40 foot flag pole in our front yard that proudly displays our countries flag. His greatest love was His Savior Jesus Christ. He shared Jesus with anyone who would listen. On his many trips to the hospital he would say, God must have someone he wants me to witness to. His second great love was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. JR touched the lives of so many people, he will be missed greatly. He is survived by his wife, Linda; Sons, Jeremy and Brian; Daughter, Shellene; Grandsons, Ryan, Nicholas, Matthew, Jeffery, Treavor, CJ. Jason, and Isaiah; and Granddaughters, Mandy, Kellena and Kristin; and seven great-grandchildren. Along with an Aunt and Uncle, Cousins and Nieces still living in Nashville and Raleigh. Funeral Home: Redmond Memorial Chapel 717 SW 6th Street Redmond, OR US 97756

John Rufus "JR" New

November 1, 1947 - June 2, 2019