Michael Wayne New, age 73, of Bentonville, AR, was called to his final endzone by the Lord on June 7, 2025.

Born on September 21, 1951, in Conway, AR to Otis W. New and the late Margie Ellen Graham New. Mike was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Mike was a proud graduate of Conway High School, class of 1969, where he earned All-American and All-State honors for football and basketball.

Recruited by colleges nationwide, he signed with the University of Arkansas, later lettering as a quarterback at the University of Central Arkansas (1971), earning a Bachelor's Degree in Physical and Special Education, and he later earned his MSE in Technology. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the UCA Army ROTC program and received an honorable discharge 6 years later as a First Lieutenant.

Early in his career, he worked as an educator and assistant coach. His professional life was marked by his distinguished career as a football official. He officiated high school football, including two state championships (1980-1992), officiated the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (1983-1986) and Southland Conference (1987-1991), and served as an SEC Back Judge (1992-2009), working the SEC Championship in 2000 and six bowl games. His steady presence on the field earned him induction into the Arkansas Officials Association Hall of Fame and later the Wampus Cats Sports Hall of Fame. Mike's game-day stories from the field were legendary. He often said the best seat in the house was on the 50-yard line, keeping the game honest.

A faithful member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Walnut Ridge and Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas, his faith guided his life, whether calling a fair game or lending a hand to a neighbor.

The best witness of Mike's life was his faith in Jesus Christ. He studied the bible as if he were preparing for a test. His daily devotions and prayers with Jackie covered the needs of his family and friends and gave him peace. Though Mike's departure from this life was unexpected, his eternal life with the Lord is not.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Margie Ellen Graham New, and his brother, Otis Lynn New. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jackie Jones New; father, Otis W. New; his brother, Retired Col. Bobby C. (Judy) New; his son, Adam (Lesley) Skinner and son Sam New; his granddaughter, Katherine Skinner; mother in law Wilma Jones; , his beloved dog, Gracie, and many friends, family, and fellow officials.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held at First Free Will Baptist Church on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at 1 pm with Mickey Rapier officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's memory to First Free Will Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge and Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas.