Samuel Prentiss Newman

Samuel Prentiss Newman, age 83, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, with his wife, Debbie Newman, by his side. Born in Jackson, Mississippi on April 12, 1941, Sam was the youngest of five children. Growing up on the family farm in Utica, Sam was no stranger to hard work, dedication, and family. This is where his passion for teaching and farming all began. He attended Utica High School, never missing a day of school from first grade onward, until his graduation on May 27, 1959. After graduating high school, he made the move to Starkville to attend Mississippi State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in science in the fall of 1964. He later continued his education and earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education and Administration.

Following his college graduation, he began working as a math teacher at nearby Florence High School. During his 31 year tenure at Florence High, he served as a coach, agricultural teacher, and later principal. He spent many hours serving as an FFA instructor, winning multiple state championships and reaching the FFA National Competition several times. Sam taught his students with dignity and respect, and he became a mentor to many young men and women throughout his career. 

 After retiring from his tenure at Florence High School, he served as headmaster of REBUL Academy for two years. He then drove a truck for Ceneca Wire for a short stint to see the beauty of the Northeastern countryside. After that, he served as a substitute teacher and bus driver for Hinds and Madison Counties until his final retirement in 2009. Sam enjoyed traveling and loved meeting new people wherever he went. After settling back down in his hometown, he spent the remainder of his retirement enjoying his many hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying Mississippi State Football.

 Sam was an avid outdoorsman, often found working on the ole home place cutting and baling hay, feeding cows, or getting food plots ready for his grandchildren. He and his wife, Debbie, were members of Grace Baptist Church in Gluckstadt, Mississippi. He was a member of the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association, the 220 Club, and the Antioch Men’s Group. When he wasn't farming, you could find him bird hunting, listening to George Jones, tailgating at any of the Mississippi State University games, or even spending time with his fellow classmates of 1959 from Utica High School. He was a staunch supporter of his alma maters and would host many of his class reunions at his home.

 Sam is preceded in death by his parents, George D. Newman Sr. and Ruby Pearl Hennington Newman; siblings, Mildred Newman Moseley, George D. Newman Jr., Charles E. Newman Sr., and Robert T. Newman.

 Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 22 years, Debbie Newman; his children, Kelley Newman Martin (Tony), and Prentiss Newman (Mandy); stepchildren, Jennifer Miller Howell and Kabe Miller; grandchildren, Kyle Martin (Mallory), Blake Martin, Sam Martin, Caroline Newman, Merritt Newman, Jackson Howell, Dayleigh Howell, Abby Grace Miller, Liam Miller, and Bode Miller; sister-in-law, Catherine E. Hubbard Newman; brother-in-law, Jack McNeil, M.D.(Gwen); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces, great great nephews, and loving friends.

 Visitations for Sam Newman will be Saturday, November 23 from 10:00 am until the 12:00 pm Funeral Service at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, Mississippi, with Pastor Tim Dear officiating. Burial will follow at the Utica City Cemetery at 1:45 pm. Pallbearers will consist of former members of his FFA team, including Tim Courtney, Mike Martin, Richard Redfern, Wren Rideout, Bob Wedgeworth, and Mike Windham, with his extended FFA students serving as honorary pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mississippi FFA Association and the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association.