Elkin Mr. James Silas Newman, age 85, of Cool Springs Road, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Mr. Newman was born September 15, 1923 in Wilkes County to James Woodson and Myrtle Pettyjohn Newman. Mr. Newman was owner/partner of Newman Brothers, Inc. and was a member of Swan Creek Baptist Church. He was the past President of NC Water & Well Association and was a member of the Board of Directors of Jacuzzi Pump Manufacturing and also served on the Board of Education of Wilkes County Schools. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dessere Holbrook. Survivors include: his wife, Ruth S. Newman of the home, a son, James Michael Newman and wife Judy of State Road; a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Ashley and husband Billy of Elkin; a brother, Arthur Newman of Elkin; a sister, Lucy Holbrook of Elkin; two grandchildren, Mark Edwards and wife Crystal of Sylva, NC, Jill Leigh Newman; three stepchildren, Dennis Childress and wife Tonya of Mtn. Park, Wendy Childress of Hillsville, VA., Arthur Grey Childress of Goldsboro; one great grandchild, Anthony Thomas; two step great grandchildren, Garret Childress and Emma Childress. Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Swan Creek Baptist Church by Rev. Nat Thompson, D.C. Swaim, Rev. Roger Elmore and Rev. Danny Dodds. Burial will follow at Crestwood Memorial Gardens. Mr. Newman will lie instate 30 minutes prior to the service. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to Brenners Children's Hospital, c/o Burn Center, Medical Center Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27157 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Newman family.
