Marvin Jackson Newman

1954 - 2025

Marvin Jackson Newman

January 23, 1954 - August 19, 2025

Dear Family and Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Marvin J. Newman, who went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Marvin passed away at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola at the age of 71.

Marvin was diagnosed with lung cancer last September. Despite a courageous fight, he ultimately succumbed to severe pneumonia and heart congestion due to chemotherapy treatments. Throughout his battle, he maintained an optimistic spirit, often saying, "Everything is going to be OK."

Born on January 23, 1954, in Dothan, AL, Marvin faced early challenges, losing both his parents at a young age. He was the youngest of seven children and the only boy. He and his sister, Diane, were lovingly raised by their mother's cousin in Dothan, while his other sisters were raised at an orphanage in Troy, Alabama.

Marvin's impressive career in the newspaper industry began at 19 as a copy boy at the Dothan Eagle. He quickly advanced, becoming the youngest publisher in The Thompson Newspaper Group. His publishing journey took him to the Dalton Newspaper in Georgia, the Enterprise Ledger in Alabama, and eventually back to the Dothan Eagle. In 1993, he was honored to be named Alabama Group Publisher, overseeing newspapers in Dothan, Auburn-Opelika, Enterprise, and Marianna, Florida. He was known for his energetic motto, "We are moving on a very fast train and if you don't jump on board, you will be left at the station. Let's all jump on board." In 1996, Marvin and Sheila moved to Benton, AR, where he became publisher of the Benton Courier and launched its Sunday edition. Two years later, they moved to Virginia, where he was Advertising Director at the Progress Index and published the Hopewell News. After 31 dedicated years, Marvin retired from newspapers in 2004 and moved to Orange Beach, AL.

In Orange Beach, Marvin continued to contribute to his community, working for the City at the Sportsplex and as manager of the Orange Beach Golf Course grounds until his final retirement in 2017. He was a dedicated partner to Sheila, assisting with her wedding business and working alongside her at The Wharf Catering.

Marvin was deeply involved in his community. He served on the board of Southtrust Bank, was a member of The Lions Club in Dothan, and coached his sons, Derrick and Kris' baseball teams. He enjoyed bowling, playing on a church softball team, and, most of all, golf. He cherished playing in golf tournaments and was fortunate to play with syndicated columnist Lewis Grizzard. He occasionally had lunch with Mike Huckabee and received Christmas cards from President Bill & Hillary Clinton during their time in Arkansas.

Marvin was preceded in death by his mother, Ada Mae Douglass Newman; his father, Marvin Clayton Newman; his adoptive parents, William Jefferson and Mary Pittman Douglass; his granddaughter, Maci Granger; four sisters, Jeanette Douglass, Liz Weldon, Betty Newman, and Carolyn Hammock; and his father-in-law, The Reverend Charles Mims.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sheila Mims Newman, and their four children, Derrick (Tiffany) of Fairhope, AL, Kristi Deatherage (Beau) of Dothan, AL, Lori Granger (John) of Enterprise, AL, and Kristopher Taylor (Meagan) of Elberta, AL. He was also a proud grandfather to Emma, Kendyle, Colier, Layla, Bryant, Konner, Levi, and Kohlson. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane Newman Pelham (Joe) and Martha Sue Andrews of Dothan; brother Bill Douglass (Robbie); a very special niece, Amanda Whiddon; and a dear mother-in-law, Etoice Reed Mims Thomas (Robert) of Pensacola.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Orange Beach United Methodist Church, 28751 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561, with Pastor Alan McBride and Reverend Ken Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Mile Marker 158 at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Butters and the nurses at Baptist Hospital for doing everything they could.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Marvin and the family.