Remembering Charles Newsome

Words: Mason Contractors

Charles Newsome, formerly of Johnson Concrete Products and Past Chair of NCMA, passed away on December 28th. Charles joined the Stalite/Johnson Concrete family in 1968 as General Manager and led the companies for fifty years. Charles also had been a key leader of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program, which would help support research, education, and promotion intended to benefit all within the industry. We reflect on our fond memories as Charles was a continuous supporter of the MCAA. In particular, we will always have fond memories of Charles collecting our hats over the years.  

His commitment to the industry was further highlighted when he was honored with the Leadman Award in 2016 during the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas. This prestigious award symbolizes Charles's exceptional leadership in advancing the masonry sector, recognizing his tireless dedication and volunteer support over the years. The MCAA extends our sincerest condolences to all of those who had the pleasure of knowing Charles Newsome, and he will be missed dearly. 

Designing for Performance: Key Considerations for Efficient, Durable Masonry Projects
August 2026

A successful masonry project starts well before the first stone is set. The craftsmanship on site matters, of course, but many of the decisions that shape the final result are made much earlier—during design, detailing, and material selection. Those choic

Change Orders: Standard Operating Procedure
August 2026

In masonry construction, change orders are not occasional events; they are guaranteed. Drawings do not always match field conditions, specifications can conflict, and real-world construction has a way of exposing gaps in design. At DRP Masonry, we operat

RFIs: Clarity, Communication and... Hierarchy?
August 2026

In construction, any project starts with drawings. Plans. Schedules. Specifications. Whether we're talking about new construction, additions, or restoration, there is a plan, there is design intent, and a way every piece of a project needs to fit together

Zero Laydown: Navigating the Logistics of Tight Urban Job Sites
August 2026

In modern commercial construction, spatial real estate has become just as valuable as the materials themselves. The industry shift toward high-density, urban projects means that the sprawling job sites of the past have been replaced by tight footprints wh