Billy Gene Newman

Billy Gene Newman Gladewater " A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Billy Gene Newman of White Oak died after a lengthy illness on Friday, October 14, 2011. He was born in Longview on April 20, 1937. Graveside services will be at Old East Mountain Cemetery on Monday, October 17, 2011, at 11 A.M. with brother-in-law Tommy Brasher. Bill graduated from East Mountain High School where he was affectionately known as "Bugs." He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He had a God-given talent as a second baseman where he earned All East Texas honors. He played second base for Sun Oil Company"s teams, coached Little League and Dixie League teams for many years in Delhi, Louisiana, and loved fishing, hunting, gardening, and yard work. Few people were better at reading an opponent"s hands in a game of 42. He also loved to travel, especially on cruises. Bill had a career with Sun Oil Company for 35 years as a loyal employee. He worked his whole life to care for and protect his family. The example he provided for us will not easily be matched. Over the years he made many cherished friends through his church and work. He loved God, family, and friends and will be remembered as a very compassionate, helpful, generous person. He had a kind and loving heart, who, like his dad, never met a stranger. He was a member of Mobberly Baptist Church. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Coomer, and through this union 2 sons and a daughter were born. Bill and Marilyn shared an unshakeable commitment to each other and to their family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Laura Newman; son, Mike; brothers, Gerald, Leamon, and Merle Newman; sister, Jewel Slayton; special nephew, Joe Newman; and mother-in-law, Evelyn Smith. Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn; son and beloved daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Camille Newman of Abilene; much loved daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and David Little of West Monroe, Louisiana; four very special grandchildren, Cristi (Jeremy) Blankenship of White Oak; Misti Elmore of White Oak; Shelli (Charles) McCord of Hughes Springs; and Clayton Little of West Monroe, LA; three special great-grandchildren, Rhyanna, Aaron, and Grace Blankenship of White Oak; a dear-to-his-heart nephew, Bobby Newman (who was a blessing to the family during Bill"s illness); beloved sister-in-law, Gladys Newman of Shelbyville; very dear relatives, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tommy and Shirley Brasher; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Sally Smith; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Jeanne Smith, all of White Oak; and several nieces and nephews. He will be truly missed and always remembered by his family. The Newman family expresses appreciation to Dr. Hong Shen and Southern Care Hospice. We are grateful for the care given to Bill by Michele Waymier, Denise Zachery, and Chaplain Richard Pruitt. No visitation is scheduled.