AL NEWMAN
Al Newman aka William Allen Newman, 64, received his reward in heaven on Feb. 15, 2018, after a brief illness. He was the loving husband for 43 years of Lucia Woodward Newman.
He was born on Feb. 24, 1953, in Sumter, and was a son of the late Lonnie Cullen Newman Sr. and 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 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 spent his life working with the visually handicapped, mentally challenged and the underprivileged, trying to make a difference in their lives. He also worked on the ETV show "Making It Grow" for more than 20 years.
Other than his wife, he is survived by a son, Matthew Newman (Lisa); a daughter, Lorianna Preston (Thomas); 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; and 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. on Sunday at Bethesda Church of God with the Rev. Al Sims officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1 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 St., 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 St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.