Newell Estelle Rollins passed peacefully after a brief illness and went to be with his Lord and Savior and to rejoin his beloved wife Helen. He was born in Corinth, NC and grew up in Duncan, NC. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1938 and from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1942. A proud American, he joined the Navy, was commissioned and served as communications officer abroad the heavy cruiser USS Augusta supporting the D-Day  Invasion at Normandy and the southern France Invasion. He was later assigned aboard the light carrier USS Cophee in the Pacific theater and later continued his reserve service achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. Upon completion of his military service Newell attended NC State University graduating in 1948 with a degree in chemistry and thereafter embarked on a 34 year career with DuPont in their organic chemistry dye and chemical department retiring in 1982.

He was a devoted and caring husband who shared a strong lifelong love of animals having adopted and nursed many back to health. As an avid sports fan and having no children of his own, some of his fondest memories were of enjoying Rachel's grandchildren Cameron, Clay, and Carson and attending their ball games with her. He will be remembered for his charitable kindness, his intellect, quick wit and jokester attitude.

He was predeceased by his wife of over 65 years Helen Thomas Rollins, his parents Amos E. and Grace Cross Rollins of Duncan, NC and brother Bryant C. Rollins.

He is survived by his second love and longtime companion/partner and caregiver Rachel Lewis of the home, sister-in-law Kathy Thomas Shores, nieces Lorraine Rollins, Amy Thomas, nephews, Vann Rollins Sr., Alan Rollins, Brian Thomas and cousins Neil Rollins, Ted Cross, Jackie Smith and several grand nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Transitions Hospice, Rex Hospital Nursing Staff, Visiting Angels and all the Caregivers who assisted in his comfort.

The family will receive visitors beginning at 2:00 PM Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. There will be a funeral service 3:00 PM Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the Chapel at Montlawn Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial offerings to Buckhord United Methodist Church, 3503 Corinth Rd., Moncure, NC 27559-9568 or donation to a charity of your choice.