Raymond F. Newman, III

Raymond F. Newman, III passed away on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Ariz.

Being born in Tuscaloosa, Ala.,, on June 28, 1967, made him an avid Alabama fan. He graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School and attended Gulf Coast Community College. As a young man in Destin, Fla., he worked as a first mate on deep sea fishing trips with a parasail company; and supervised beach set-ups.

Raymond loved animals; stray dogs, lost cats, and under dogs. He would have given you the shirt off of his back, as long as it wasn’t one of his Alabama shirts. During his early years in Opelika, Ala., he learned the love of the outdoors and hunting from his paternal grandfather, Raymond, Sr. His maternal grandfather, Col. John B. Mays, of Monticello, taught him the carpentry skills that served him well over the years.

Both of his grandmothers, Ellen Newman and Jean P. Mays, were dear to him.

His life took many twists and turns; he had big dreams and big disappointments. Raymond made quite an impact on the lives he touched and he leaves behind many friends, an extended family, and his wife Sandy of Chandler, Ariz.

He was loved by many and will be missed the very most by his mother, Laray Mays Kelly, his sister, Jean Bostick, and his nephew, Christian. A beloved family friend, Jessie, often said, “God works in mischievous ways.” She knew Raymond well.

Jordan Funeral Home, Monticello, Ga., has been in charge of all arrangements. His great-grandparents, Laree and Ray M. Persons would be proud.