Kenneth Newell, 75, of Dawsonville passed away Sunday February 9, 2014 at Northside Forsyth Hospital following an extended illness. Born February 13, 1938 in Uxbridge, Massachusetts to the late Edwin and Alice Newell, he had lived in Dawson County for the past 18 years having moved from Germantown, Tennessee. Mr. Newell retired as Sr. Vice President with Federal Express after 20 years of service. He served nine years in the U. S. Air Force, was a former member of the Dawsonville Lions Club and volunteered with Kare for Kids. For several years he served as Chairman of the Board of Ric-Rack and oversaw the expansion into its current location and the development of the food pantry. Kenneth was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was extremely devoted to his family. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Edward, Norman, Calvin, Clyde, Douglas and Richard. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Jo Ann Newell, Dawsonville; daughter and son in law, Rhonda and William Newell, Alpharetta; grandchildren, Andrew Newell, Taylor Newell, Nicholas Newell, Justin Newell; sister and brother in law, Myrtle and John Banks, Alberta, Canada; brother, Mickey Newell, Hawaii; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Memorial services will be held Saturday February 22, 2014 at 2 o’clock at the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ric-Rack, P. O. Box 891, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 or your favorite charity. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.