Ira New, Jr. Obituary

Ira New, Jr.

Aiken - Ira Benjamin "Ben" New, Jr., 94, passed peacefully at home with his loving family on January 1, 2026. A man of quiet faith and integrity, defined by his devotion to his family, profession, community, and country.

Ben was born and raised in Savannah, GA, during a transformative time spanning the height of the Great Depression, WWII and the post war boom. The son of Ira B. New, Sr. and Maude Cubbedge New, Ben's early homelife was filled with activities on Richardson Creek (including the often-told alligator wrestling tale), and hunting in the nearby woods for quail and small game. At the age of ten, Ben was called to his country's duty as a civilian observer for the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS), accepting a designated time slot to scan the coastal skies for enemy planes as WWII expanded globally. At fourteen, he took a butcher job at his grandfather's mercantile store in downtown Savannah. He never abandoned his strong work ethic and passed those disciplines on to his offspring.

Ben grew up to be a standout athlete for "The Blue Jackets" sports at Savannah High School, graduating in 1949. His athletic talents earned him a multi-sport scholarship to The Citadel, where he excelled in football, baseball, boxing, track and basketball. One of his favorite stories involved Frank Howard offering him a spot on the Clemson football team despite his concern with Ben's "under-preferred size". Coach told Ben that he may not start much, but joining the team would ensure that Clemson would not face his speed on the field. Without hesitation, Ben said, "no, thank you Coach", and took off to Charleston to be a very fast "starter" for the Bulldogs competing in the SoCon.

Ben's education at the Citadel was interrupted by a call to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. At the height of the conflict, he served the 4th and 82nd Fighter Wings as Staff Sergeant Supply Squadron and Maintenance Group. Following the war, Ben was honorably discharged and returned to play ball and graduate with The Citadel Class of 1956, earning a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Ben's life changed forever during a holiday party in his hometown of Savannah. Set up on a date by mutual friends while he was a student at The Citadel and Janet was at Florida State, the two fell in love that very night-the beginning of a seventy-year journey.

Married in March 1956, Ben and Janet moved to Aiken where they began their family and his distinguished 40-year career at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Rising to the rank of Vice President for DuPont, he was a legendary figure at "The Site" known for his leadership, mentorship and fairness. In 1977, Ben moved with Janet to Dupont's corporate headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. However, his deep-rooted commitment to the SRS brought him back to Aiken in the mid 1980s. While acquiring the title of Vice President and General Manager at Westinghouse, he played a vital role in the historic 1989 transition from DuPont to Westinghouse, providing the leadership and technical continuity necessary for the site's continued success.

An avid golfer and lifelong hunter, Ben loved the outdoors. He was a pillar of the Aiken community, serving in many roles for the United Way campaign, the school PTA boards, and volunteering his time to mentor and coach Pee Wee football alongside his dear friend Henderson Johnson. For many years, Ben and Janet joined Henderson and Doris Johnson along with "The Group", hosting an annual oyster roast to benefit the Aiken Cancer Society, an event that became a staple of Aiken's social and charitable calendar. He was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Ben was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Cubbedge New; his son-in-law, Paul Sloan; his grandson, Benjamin L. Young; his great grandson, Jenkins S. Young; his parents; his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Walter L. and Shirley G. New; and nephews, Landy New, Jr. and Eugene Epting III.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Janet Epting New (who followed him into rest two days later); his daughters, Laura Jeanne Williamson (Tray) of Aiken and Janet New Sloan of Murrells Inlet; his grandchildren Laura Y. Johnson (Whit), Tyler J. Young (Sara), Jacob D. Sloan, and Conor J. Sloan; his great-grandchildren Adeline, Whitman, and Beckett Johnson; and his nieces and nephews, Steven C. New (Dee Dee), Diane New, Jan Allee, Caroline Epting Kemerling, and Helen Lee Epting (William Richards).

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the team of wonderful caregivers who became like family as they spent countless hours ensuring Ben and Janet's comfort in their later years. Special thanks to Cora Jenkins Johnson (Daniel), Keja Bates, Rhaja Abney and Natasha West.

The family also extends their deepest appreciation to the caring clergy and eucharistic ministers at St. Paul Lutheran Church, who faithfully ensured Janet and Ben's ongoing ability to fully participate in worship and community life.

A funeral Liturgy will be held at 3:30 PM on Thursday, January 15, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aiken, SC. The Order for Committal and Interment will take place later at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Citadel Brigadier Foundation (www.brigadierfoundation.com), the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org), or the St. Paul Lutheran Church Eucharistic Homebound Ministry, 961 Trail Ridge Rd., Aiken, SC 29803.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

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