John Dean "Jack" Newman

John Dean “Jack” Newman, 101, passed away at home on Saturday, April 14, 2018. 

Jack was born in Gainesville, Georgia on October 8, 1916, to the late Harvey Mashburn Newman and Maggie Mealor Newman. He was preceded in death by his parents, 11 siblings and his wife Hazel White Newman, also of Gainesville, Georgia.

Jack graduated in 1933 from Gainesville High School and attended the University of Georgia where he received a degree in Pharmacy. After marriage to his beloved wife Hazel, and his service in the Philippines and Japan during WWII, he and his family moved in 1947 to Toccoa, Georgia, where he owned and operated Parker Newman Pharmacy for 22 years as well as operating the Toccoa Clinic Pharmacy. He later helped to establish the first pharmacy in the Stephens County Hospital and served as head pharmacist there for 13 years. Upon retirement, he and his wife returned to their hometown of Gainesville.

Jack loved his work and his family. He was a consummate gentleman who was loved and admired by many. Jack also had a love of music. He played the trumpet in the UGA Glee Club Orchestra that traveled the southeast and formed a band called the Georgia Collegians.

He is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Nan Christy, San Diego, CA Lynn and Randy McCranie, Gainesville, GA and Jackie and Don Minaglia, La Jolla, CA; four granddaughters, Dana Bishop (Mark), Kelly Christy, Millie O’Keefe (Richard), and Laura Burns; six great grandchildren, Michael Bishop, Grace and Olivia O’Keefe, and Ben, Charlie, and Catherine Burns; and several nieces and nephews of which he enjoyed an especially close relationship with his twin brother Jim’s son, John Newman of Panama City, FL.

Prior to his death, he was in the comforting care of his family, who will have a graveside memorial to celebrate his life at Alta Vista Cemetery at a later date.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.