John Paul Newsome

John Paul Newsome born May 24, 1934 in Atlanta to parents Paul L. Newsome and Katurah Witt Newsome, passed away on April 12, 2018. He was a life-long resident of Decatur, Ga., attending Clairmont Elementary and Decatur High School. He graduated from Presbyterian College in 1955 where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. In 2007 Presbyterian College honored him with the Thomas Aurelius Stallworth Alumni Award. After graduation, he joined the family business, Newsome Service Station, which his father established in 1931. In 1967 John began Newsome Tire and in 1985 he joined Pope Automotive Group. John brought joy to all who met him. He enjoyed serving as a Deacon and Elder in his church, Decatur Presbyterian, and as a member of the Crusaders Sunday School Class. He served as president of Decatur Lions Club. He was a member of Northlake (now Tucker) Rotary Club, where he became a Paul Harris Fellow. Preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Owen Newsome, he is survived by his wife, Frederica Lund Newsome;; four children: Pamela N. Owens (Reed), Lynda N. Black (Gary), John William Newsome (Meg), Leslie N. Gamble, stepchildren: Katherine F. Cullerton (Jeff), William T. Fleming, Jr., Laura F. McKellar (Rusty), eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, James L. Newsome (Margaret); sister, Sue Anna N. McPhail (Tom), and preceded in death by brother, Robert T. Newsome (Peggy), and is survived by many nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on April 15, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Decatur Presbyterian Church with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Decatur Presbyterian Church, 205 Sycamore Street, Decatur, Ga. 30030, or Presbyterian College, Paul L. Newsome Scholarship, 503 S. Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325.