Nov. 5, 1939 – Dec. 1, 2019

NATCHEZ – Services for local businessman and Natchez native, Benjamin Garland “Spike” Newman Jr., 80, of Natchez, who died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, will be noon Wednesday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Bill Hurt officiating.
Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.
Spike was born Nov. 5, 1939, to Benjamin Garland Newman Sr. and Lou McCall Newman.
He graduated from Natchez High School in 1957 as the all-time leading basketball scorer in school history.  He attended Southwest Junior College on a basketball scholarship. Spike then transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a business administration degree.  While attending USM, he met the love of his life, Ginger Henderson. They were married on July 9, 1960. They made their first home in Mobile, Alabama, and later moved to Spike’s hometown of Natchez.
Spike was a member of the Jaycees and First Baptist Church of Natchez where he served as a deacon.  In 1968, he was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America. He was a long-time member of the USM Circle of Champions.  In his early years, he was a music promoter, bringing national acts to both Natchez and Jackson. Spike enjoyed coaching several youth baseball programs.
Spike was an Allstate Insurance agent for many years. Then he formed Newman-Riches Property Management with good friend, Ron Riches, and later became the sole owner and operator of Newman Properties until his death.
Spike’s focus was always providing for the needs of his wife Ginger. When Ginger preceded him in death nine days earlier, he was freed to join her, as his job was “well done.” He was also preceded in death by sister, Billie Jo Shaw; brother-in-law, Jerry Richardson; and nephew, Larry Shaw.
Spike is survived by one son, B.G. “Chip” Newman III and wife, Clara; one granddaughter, Virginia Caradine Newman, all of Flora; two sisters, Kay Newman Galuppi and husband, Jim, and Faye Newman Richardson; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Shaw and William “Bubba” Henderson and wife, Bernice; three nieces, Delou Sabin and husband, Kirby, Kristen Sisk and husband, Shane, and Robbie Richardson; three nephews, Lee Henderson, Brand Richardson and wife, Tanya, and Trey Galuppi and wife, Tara; and 13 great-nieces and nephews.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank caregivers Rhonda Boyd, Cheryl Bethley, Susan Chapman, and Debbie Johnese for taking such great care of Spike.  Their patience, dedication and compassion will forever be appreciated. The family would also like to recognize devoted employees, Peggy McCall and Ginger Browder of Newman Properties and Jean Moffett of Wilkins Townhouse, who went above and beyond the duties of an employee.
The family would also like to thank Sharon Brown of Natchez Coffee Company (and staff) along with his coffee buddies, Jerry Krouse, Jimmy Ray Smith, Hiram Burkes, Father David O’Connor, Herbert Whitehead, Dickie Walcott, Cappy Stahlman and Joe Ditzler who always welcomed him with open arms and treated him with such respect even when he was not himself anymore due to his illness.  It is a testament to small-town virtues that still exist; deep roots in the community, the intimacy of neighbors who have known each other forever and the way people take care of each other in tough times.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Mississippi, 855 S. Pear Orchard Rd #501, Ridgeland, MS 39157 or the Mississippi Animal Rescue League, 5221 Greenway Dr. Ext., Jackson, MS 39204.  Condolences may be mailed to Chip Newman, P.O. Box 2208, Madison, MS 39130.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com