Gary Randall Newman, 62, a resident of Franklinton, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 28, 2016, at Riverside Medical Center.

He was a deacon and active member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton. Gary was a well-known contractor who, along with his family, constructed countless homes and buildings throughout Washington Parish and nearby areas. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors. Gary loved spending time at his camp on the Bogue Chitto River and riding his tractors and other heavy equipment. He cherished the time spent with his family and adored his grandchildren.

He is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Beth Busby Newman of Franklinton; two daughters and sons-in-law, June and Brent Graham of Franklinton, and Toni and Caleb Martin of Bogalusa; three grandchildren, Noel Martin, Newman Graham and Deacon Martin; his mother, Chessie Creel Newman of Franklinton; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Glynn and Donna Newman, Mark and Barbara Newman, all of Franklinton, and Steven and Melinda Newman of Baton Rouge; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Kayla Newman, Kathy and Bill Hounshell, all of Baton Rouge, and Karen Newman of Dallas, Texas; special family and friends, Henry Majlesein and Cindy Davenport; and also numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Newman; and grandparents, Walter Newman and Tena Crowe Newman, and Perry Creel and Ollie Carpenter Creel.

Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 29, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and after 9 a.m. on Friday. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Paul Watts, the Rev. Jeremy Newman and the Rev. Lynn Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Tyson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to any church of your choosing.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Fortenberry, Richard Knight, Lynn Spears, Paul Alford, Raymond Cade, Danny Harris and J.W. Bryant. Honorary pallbearers will be Glynn Newman, Pete Williams, Mike Taylor, Warren Cooke, Ben Fussell, Gary Jones and the members of his Sunday School class.