Paul E. Newman

On a cold, wintery day, January 13, 1939, Mirl Vera and William Newman welcomed the arrival of their eighth of ten children . . . a handsome baby boy, Paul Eugene Newman. “Pretty Paul”, the apple of his family’s eye had arrived.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23

Paul received his formative education in the Kansas City, Missouri School System. He attended Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee majoring in Political Science. Through the remainder of his life he sought to increase his knowledge and was an avid reader.

At the tender age of 17, Paul enlisted in the United States Army. He was determined to make a differnce in his family and the world. He earned the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7) within eight years of enlistment. His commanding officers recognized his leadership skills and he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer. He retired at the age of 37, after serving his country for 20 years, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. Continuing to serve, he was a mail carrier for the US Postal Service in Clarksville, Tennessee for 24 years prior to his second retirement.

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD”. Proverbs 18:22

February 10, 1973, Paul married his Good Thing, Agnes. They spent 52 years “for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health” God is so good!! To their marital bliss, sons: Nicholas Sean and Juan Carlos were born. Paul had no greater joy than to know his sons are walking in the truth.

In addition to finding Agnes, Paul accepted Christ as his personal Savior and united with St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend G.W. Pettus. He served the church as an usher, choir member, member of the kitchen committee and Deacon. He served as Chairman of the Deacons for over 20 years under the pastorate of Brother Mark Washington. On Sunday, April 27, 2024, he was bestowed the honor of Deacon Emeritus.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

Paul loved life!!! He loved his family ~ biological, church and extended! Life, life’s on all of us, but let us remember and hear his laughter which filled our homes, the church, fishing holes, the yard, the garden and the front porches. His laughter was infectious.

“To every thing there is a season… and a time to die;” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

A few weeks ago, Paul walked into Nashville VA Medical Center. Early Friday morning, September 26, 2025, Paul and Agnes peacefully whispered Psalms 61:1-2, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Then the angel of death was dispatched to escort Paul from life’s battle to paradise. He joined those loved ones who preceded him in death: his father and mother, William A. and Mirl Vera Newman; sisters, Harriett Richard, Helen Mitchum, Ruby Moore and Mary Newman; brothers, John Henry Mitchell, Leonard Mitchell, William Newman, Harry Newman and Michael Newman; father and mother-in-love, Reverend G.W. and Jewel Pettus and daughter-in-love, Tomomi Newman; brother-in-love, Ronald W. Mayes, Sr.

Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are: sons, Nicholas (Katrina) and Juan; grandchildren: Christian, Cross, Jamarcus, Daisha and Brianna; devoted nephews, Tim (Zillie “Penny”) Richard, Carlos (Marquita) Pettus; devoted niece, Lolita Richard; nephews, Larry, Michael, Paul, Tony (Sonya) Terrell, Ronald (Shavonda) Mayes; niece, Pamela Richard; sisters-in-love, Cora Carlisle and Jo Ann Pettus-Mayes; god-daughters, Trina Skinner and Gerlona (Alvin) Fite; extended family, the Kowal, Lewis, and Shannon Families, Albert and Julie Norris, Lynn and Frances Minner, Sarjid (Jeannie) Sherrod, his loving St. James Church Family and a host of other neices, nephews, cousins and dear friends.