Christopher Clyde Newell, 75, of Seminole, Florida passed away peacefully, his wife by his side, August 27, 2022 at Suncoast Hospice Mid Pinellas.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Howard, his mother, Cora and his brother Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife of over 39 years, Connie, his daughter, Heidi Miles (Sam), and four grandchildren: Jamie Wright (Kade), Mac Boren, Maggie Miles & Riley Miles. Chris also leaves behind his sisters; Juli Day (Jim) and Susie Frank, his nieces and their families.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, August 28, 1946, to Howard and Cora “Jackie” Newell, he spent his childhood exploring the fields and woodlands of Westerville, Ohio. His mother was fond of saying he spent so much time outdoors, he was practically “raised by wolves.”
This is where his lifelong love of fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, canoeing and golfing began, all while developing his God given talents as an artist and photographer. Because the boy could not stay still for long, he also became a competitive swimmer and springboard diver.
His athleticism and artistic talents led him to Ohio University, where he became Mid-American Conference Springboard Diving Champion – All American 1967.
He graduated in 1968 with a BFA in Advertising and Graphic Design.
Before he could accept an invitation to the Olympic Trials that year, the United States Army sent him an invitation of a different kind, which he declined by walking across the street to enlist in the United States Navy where he served as an Illustrator Draftsman.
His travels took him to 25 European countries, a bit of Africa and to 49 of the 50 states. The Rocky Mountains always called to him, drawing him to Idaho and the Tetons where he and Connie spent their first years of marriage. Even after moving back to Florida, they returned as often as they could.
Chris garnered many awards over the years for his work as an Illustrator and Art Director at Pearson, Clarke & Sawyer, Art Porter Inc. and eventually his own Graphics Design Studio, Newell & Associates.
Once retired from advertising, he returned full-time to his greatest artistic passion, wildlife art. His gift will live on in his paintings that hang all across the country.
He will be remembered for his great love of family, friends and living life on his own terms. May his Memory be Eternal.
A Memorial Service will be held 1pm Friday, October 14, 2022 at Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765.
Family will be greeting from 11:30 am through service time.
In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to:
SuncoastHospiceFoundation.org or St. Stefanos Greek Orthodox Church, 3600 76th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Arrangements entrusted to 
You will always be in my heart Chris.
God has enfolded his loving arms around you.
Goodbye my (honorary) Brother.
I will miss your quick laugh and loving spirit.
What a loving tribute to Chris. How appropriate that his photo shows him at Artist’s Point. Denny and I are so sorry to learn of Chris’ passing and send heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May God bless you and hold you tenderly during this difficult time.
I am honored to have known you you were such a good friend and so much fun to talk to!! God‘s arms are around you now😇😇
Dear Connie and family, please accept our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers.
May his memory be eternal
Paul and María Alberty
Gone too soon, one of a kind. Rest In Peace fellow Wildcat!
My honorary uncle and a truly great guy. Chris had so many talents I admired from such a young age. I will always have great memories of my time with Chris.
Love prayers and condolences!!!
Even though I had only known Chris through Facebook as fellow artists, I always enjoyed seeing his art and getting words of encouragement from him. His personality sure seemed larger than life and I’m sure his closest family, wife and friends will dearly miss him.
So sorry to hear this news!
So sorry to hear of Chris passing. As a high school classmate, we all have many fond memories of him. He will be missed by many.
Chris, May you rest in Jesus loving arms until you reunite with your beautiful wife Connie ,family and friends . You were an amazing artist and a kind man who we will never forget . Please toss the ball a couple times for Lili while you’re up there . Fortunate to have met you . Your friends Kevin n Terie Raftery
Chris was my friend since 7th grade growing up in Westerville and we went to Ohio University. I transferred to another school but saw Chris at reunions.
May he rest in peace.
Chris,
you were one of the first guys I met when I moved to Florida 2011. I admired your commitment and Dedication to the Log Cabin guys and gals. R.I.P. BROTHER you will be missed.
Grateful Joe
Chris was one of the people I looked up to as a kid. A gifted, talented, funny guy. So sorry to see he left this world so soon.
Chris will always hold a special place in my heart. He has never met a stranger and I was blessed to have known him and his fearless spirit. May God grant him a beautiful spot in heaven ❤️ Rest easy my courageous friend❤️
My thoughts and prayers are with Connie and the family🌹
Chris will be missed and remembered. My hand aches due to a punch I gave Chris in fifth grade when he called me “Crispy Crackers”. His family has always been in the hearts of my family in various ways through the years. I am sorry for this loss of a great man.
Fly with the Angels Chris.
Peace and love for his Family.♥️
Dear Connie,
Eddie and I send our love and prayers to you and yours. He was a talented artist and a lovely man. We are so very sorry.
Connie, I’m so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. I have such great, fun memories with you guys! You and your family are in my heart and prayers!
And what a great man he was. I always loved his wonderful attitude towards like. He was a very talented artist, but I’ll never forget his smiling face. I know we all (class of 1964) will miss this man.
Thank you Lord for giving us Chris. He is now with our Lord!
You’re beautiful art lives on forever. Always will be remembered. Thank you 🙏
Connie, I don’t know what to say except I love you and I loved Chris. I can’t imagine a world without him.
So much love to you, I wish I could be there with you, but please know I am there in spirit.
I love you,
Linda
An amazing soul. May his memory be Eternal. 🙏✝️
Chris and I had such great times from Westerville schools, Ohio University and beyond. He will always be remembered.
Rest In Pease buddy…
Connie, my heart is breaking for you. I remember so well how close you two were. I could hear the support and love you shared. May he rest in eternal peace and may you find some comfort in the memories of the beautiful life you shared.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Chris. It was a pleasure to know you and have chats on Facebook. You will be missed. See you later
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Chris. What a pleasure it was to know you! You will be missed.
Pleased to have picked up the notice of Chris’s memorial on my FB account. Though it’s been some number of years since actually being together, will always consider Chris one of my most creative, considerate and cherished friends.
May your pencils always stay sharp and your lines tight in God’s nearer presence brother!
I will miss Chris very much. I have a piece of his art work the will remind me of him and his love of nature and compassion for others.