Connie Gene Newman, age 77, of Independence, Virginia died at his home on December 25, 2022.  He was born on November 16, 1945, in Austinville, Virginia to Montie Barney and Mary Ethel Smythers Newman.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Faye Davidson and Mabel Jennings.

Mr. Newman was a devoted fan of baseball and a life-long Yankee fan.  He was equally fond of bluegrass music.  He was a skilled bowler and was a former employee at the Sparta Bowling Alley. He was a talented artist.  He was a United States Veteran having served in the US Army from 1965-1973.  He was dedicated to his family and enjoyed his time with them.

He is survived by his daughter, Jill and Dean Edwards of Spruce Pine, NC; two sisters, Dell Mabe of Woodlawn, VA and Mary Ann Griffin of Austinville, VA; three brothers, Forrest and Virginia Newman of Galax, VA, Lake and Lola Newman of Woodlawn, VA, and Willard and Kathy Newman of Austinville, VA; granddaughter, Teal and Jeremy Buchanan of Bakersville, NC; special friend, Irene Murphy of Sparta, NC.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Pleasant View Church in Austinville, VA with Pastor Jeff Pickett officiating.  Military Honors will be performed by Grayson County VFW Post #7726.  The family will receive friends following the funeral service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grayson County VFW Post#7726 PO BOX 608 Independence, VA 24348 or to the Picket Cemetery C/O Mary Ann Griffin 927 Pleasant View Church Road Austinville, VA.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Newman family.