Newman "Sonny" Brock

Newman Dempsey Brock, affectionately known as Sonny, passed away on February 21, 2025, at age 84. Born on November 18, 1940, Newman grew up as a towhead in Daytona Beach where he loved to body surf in the ocean. After spending summers working on his family’s farm, he earned a Bachelor of Science at University of Florida, his beloved alma mater, where he met brothers for life through Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation he honorably served our country in the United States Army, completed Officer Candidate School, and subsequently served in the Army Reserves. He earned his Juris Doctor in 1969 from Cumberland Law School in Birmingham, AL where he found his passion for trial law. He was a star in the courtroom, successfully becoming Board Certified in Civil Trial the first time the certification was offered. He received numerous professional accolades as he proudly represented his clients’ right to a fair trial - no matter what side of the courtroom they sat - because he believed in the rule of law. Newman served as a leader in the Central Florida community through his service as a Shriner, a Mason, as the President of the Seminole County Bar Association, and the President of the Central Florida Zoo, among other organizations. On the weekends he could be found on the sideline of his children’s soccer games with a portable radio cheering for their teams and the Florida Gators. He retired as a Circuit Judge in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, a job he loved, to return to farm life at Shakey Joe in North Florida where he found peace in the beauty of the pastures. He continued to cultivate his love of the law and history by teaching courses at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Joan Tew Brock, and their large, blended family who spent many holidays together laughing at what they coined “the Newmanisms” including his daughter Rebecca (Jon Krone), his son David (Molly), his granddaughter Collins Elizabeth and his grandson Waylon Max (from his marriage to Sandra Hamilton Brock) as well as William Sheffield, Emma Lisa Sheffield, and his granddaughter Laura Mac Sheffield, Elizabeth Pope (her children and grandchildren), Joan Baker (her children and grandchildren), his best pal Dennis Worthington, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Newman’s family will privately celebrate his life at his cherished Shakey Joe Ranch as he desired.

Newman "Sonny" Brock

November 18, 1940 - February 21, 2025