Obituary of William Allen Newman
Al Newman, aka William Allen Newman, 64, received his reward in heaven on February 15, 2018 after a brief illness. He was the loving husband for 43 years of Lucia Woodward Newman. He was born in Sumter, February 24, 1953 and was the son of the late Lonnie Cullen Newman, Sr. and the late Frances Pollard Newman.
Al attended Bethesda Church of God where he was the bass player for the praise team. He also played in the band known as “Chief Complaint.”
Al was the Administrator of Northwoods Senior Living which is a ministry for people with chronic or similar illnesses. He has spent his life in ministry serving others. He graduated from Southern Methodist College with a degree in Christian Ministries. He graduated from Wilson Hall in 1971. He has spent his life working with the visually handicap, mentally challenged, and the underprivileged trying to make a difference in their life. He also worked on the ETV Show “Making It Grow” for over 20 years.
Other than his wife, he is survived by a son, Matthew Newman (Lisa); a daughter, Lorianna Preston (Thomas) and five grandchildren, Lauren Newman, Olivia Newman and Luke Newman, Elise Preston and Adelynn Preston; mother-in-law, Rhidona Woodward; a brother-in-law, Earle Woodward (Sherri) all of Sumter; a sister-in-law, Mary Newman; two nieces Pam Pierce (Dan) and Heather Kuhl (Daniel).
He was preceded in death by his brother, Lonnie Cullen Newman, Jr.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 P.M. Sunday at Bethesda Church of God with Rev. Al Sims officiating.
Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M. Sunday prior to the service at Bethesda Church of God.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of “Chief Complaint” band.
Memorials may be made to Northwoods Senior Living, 1267 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC 29153, Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 29150, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.