Leon, the second of seven children, was born in Pulaski County, Georgia, on May 17, 1937, to Ned and Mable Watson Newman. At Hawkinsville High School, he excelled in sports and was a star running back. One particular cheerleader, his future wife, Elizabeth “Beth” White, supported him from the sidelines. Leon earned his bachelor degree at Middle Georgia College and his master’s in music from the University of Georgia. Beth and Leon married on March 18, 1961, and they were devoted to one another for over 61 years. The Newmans always served as a team wherever Leon was called to be Minister of Music, and Beth was active, supportive, and still his biggest cheerleader. After Leon’s graduation from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, they first served at Bainbridge First Baptist. Then they moved to First Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia. Leon then began as minister of music at Thomaston FBC on November 1, 1973.
The Newmans brought a beautiful spirit to the church, enriched the lives of the members, and endeared themselves to the membership. Leon’s music program was legendary, and he encouraged many children, teens, and adults to pursue their musical gifts. He loved Christmas and started the Living Christmas Tree in 1974 and also began the tradition of choir members and anyone from the congregation joining in singing “The Hallelujah Chorus” on the Sunday before Christmas. He and Beth also directed “Return to Bethlehem.” Leon and his three brothers had a quartet called “The New Men,” and Leon also had several quartets who sang at church, community events, and even several performances of the National Anthem at the Atlanta Braves' games. After hearing Leon’s rich baritone voice, Ernie Johnson, legendary “voice of the Braves,” said, “That man can sing!” When R. E. Lee entered literary events in the early 1980’s, Leon served as the volunteer coach. They did well every year and, in 1985, made a clean sweep by winning first place in all six literary events in which they competed. Leon and Beth were noted for their “ministry of being there” in joyful times and sad. They would travel to hospitals and funerals out-of-town to be with church members. They would show up at the door of church members to support and pray, usually with baked items or fresh produce. They both loved to travel and utilized every opportunity to do so. After Leon’s retirement from First Baptist in 2000, he served as part-time minister of music at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. On February 23, 2019, former youth choir members gathered to honor Leon with a choir reunion. They had a 2-hour rehearsal on Saturday evening, a chili supper, and a time of sharing. Then about 60 former youth choir members filled the choir to sing Sunday morning. Leon continued to participate in the music program as long as he was able.
In addition to his parents, Leon was predeceased by his beloved wife, Beth; his sisters, Judy (Harold) Newman Bryant; and Rachel (Terry) Cannon. He leaves behind wonderful memories to be cherished by his two sons; Brigham Newman (Kim) of Peachtree City and David Newman of Thomaston; nine grandchildren: Hayden Newman (New York, N.Y.); Ansley Roland (Jake), Opelika AL; Amelia Newman, Auburn, AL.; Sarah Ann Head, South Africa; Mary Kathryn Head, Peachtree City; Courtney Newman Norton (Garrett), Thomaston; Libby Clark Berner (Matt), Thomaston; Austin Lynn Ellis Newman (Desiree), Griffin; Leanna Kathryn Newman Collins (Brady), Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan; two great-grandchildren, Jaxx Berner and Charlie Grace Berner; his brothers Ned (Marie), Macon; Ron (Diane), Charleston, S.C.; Mike (Carol), Perry, and his sister, Starlette (Don) Sinyard, Hawkinsville. The Newman family would like to thank the staff of Thomaston Hospice for the kindness and care given to Leon and their family.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations to the Thomaston First Baptist “Pass the Salt” Ministry. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. Psalm 98:4-5
Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.
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