Kent Newman

William Kent Newman left this world for a better place on November 17, 2020, at St. Dominic Hospital with Pharis Lunceford Newman, his wife of 28 years, by his side. Kent was born January 7, 1955, to parents Sells Jones Newman, Sr. and Sue McGuffee Newman. Anyone who knew Kent knew he loved sports--playing sports, watching sports, and talking about sports, especially football. He began his football career at Crystal Springs and Copiah Academy. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi on an athletic scholarship where he was a defensive back for the Golden Eagles. He was inducted into the MClub, and served the club as a board member. Longtime friend, teammate, and former USM head football coach Jeff Bower said, “It was a privilege to know Kent. As a player, although not very big, Kent was extremely tough. He possessed a competitive desire, character and a big heart. A great family man, an exceptional husband and father, a WINNER in all he did. All who knew him will greatly miss him." After college, Kent’s first job was coaching football and track at Pearl High School. He was a no-nonsense coach who tried to instill in his players the importance of a strong work ethic. Kent began his his 40-year career with State Farm in 1980 at age 24. At that time, the company had a strict policy against hiring young, unmarried agents. Chip Sanders, agent manager at the time, said, "Kent’s first big sale was convincing me to go against that policy and hire him, and I’m so glad I did!” Kent was never known for sitting behind the desk in his office. His insurance business was often transacted from his truck. He believed in hands-on service. Through his involvement in business and sports, Kent developed many close relationships that were never broken. Kent Newman was a believer in Jesus Christ. He knew there was everlasting life beyond his earthly life. He grew up as a member of First Baptist Church Crystal Springs and later joined Crystal Springs United Methodist Church after his marriage. He was very involved in the work of his church and was a member of the Seekers Sunday School class and later the Business Men’s class. Kent was very proud of Crystal Springs, and promoted his hometown whenever and wherever he could. He was a member of the Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Rolling Hills Country Club, and served on the Copiah County Medical Center Board of Directors. Kent enjoyed being outdoors, working and hunting on the farm with his brother, Sells, and all things Southern Miss and New Orleans Saints. Above all, Kent will be remembered for his strong faith, his love for his family, his huge heart, and his beautiful smile. Genuinely kind and caring, Kent valued his friends and always had time for a visit. Kent loved people and people loved Kent. He is survived by his wife Pharis, daughter Parker Pharis Newman, brother Sells Jones Newman, Jr., (Nancy), father- in-law Ferrell Lunceford, mother-in-law Janice Lunceford, sister-in-law Stephanie Cockrill (Al), niece Pharis Cockrill, and nephew Allen Cockrill, . He is preceded in death by his parents and his nephew Jason Newman. Because of Covid 19 restrictions, a small family service was held over the Thanksgiving holiday. Kent’s life will be celebrated at a public service at Crystal Springs United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 11:00am. Memorials may be made to Crystal Springs United Methodist Church 306 W. Georgetown Street Crystal Springs, MS, 39059 Friends of Chautauqua P. O. Box 473 Crystal Springs, MS 39059

Kent Newman

January 7, 1955 - November 17, 2020

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Kent Newman

January 7, 1955 - November 17, 2020

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