Howard C. Newsome, Jr

Former City Councilman and longtime DeFuniak Springs businessman Howard C. Newsome, Jr. age 78 passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, December 16, 2016 in Chautauqua Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born July 17. 1938 in Warrenton, Georgia, the son of Howard Cecil Newsome, Sr. and Katie Lou Usry Newsome. Mr. Newsome was employed as a manager with Central Telephone Company for a number of years, but with the advent of deregulation of the telephone industry, he opened his own independent telephone company known as NewTel Communications which we owned and operated until ill health prevailed. In addition to providing independent telephone services and equipment to residents and businesses, his son Lothar, who had finished a tour of duty with the United States military, joined him in the operation of the business and the company was expanded with a second location in neighboring Florala, Alabama. The DeFuniak location grew to the point where consolidation was necessary and NewTel became the authorized United Parcel Service dealer. All who knew Howard, appreciated his quick dry wit and his willingness to help any who would help themselves. He loved Chevrolet Corvette automobiles and always had two or three in his and his son’s possession. It was not uncommon to see “The Telephone Man” driving around in his shiny red Corvette on any given day. He was a member of First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs. He is predeceased by his parents, and his son, Howard Cecil Newsome, III.

Among survivors are his wife Val Newsome, his son Lothar Newsome and Amanda, his grandchildren, Megan Bauer, Yasmine Newsome, Brittney Anderson and Breeanna VanMeer; and his great grandchildren, Nicholas and Robin also survive.