Terry James Newell passed peacefully with his wife by his side on September 10, 2025 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was 74 years old.
Terry was born on May 8, 1951 to the late James and Juanita Newell of Samson, Alabama. Terry married the love of his life, Reba Chapman Newell, of Geneva in 1972. They were happily married for 53 years. He was a proud 1969 graduate of Samson High School and was known for his dedication to keeping his friends and classmates connected. Terry was always a “man of the people”, he loved his family and friends, and was always willing to gather people together to celebrate any occasion. He was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed working on the family farm, fishing with his friends, woodworking, and helping others in need.
Among other things, Terry was a remarkable salesman and business professional. He began his career in the food service industry in 1971 as a bagboy and later manager of Piggly Wiggly in Geneva. He advanced to direct sales with Sunday Dinner, now U.S. Foods in 1976, where he retired after 40 years. He was well respected by his company, colleagues, and most of all his clients, many of whom became part of his extended family over the years. In his retirement, he continued his work in the hospitality and food service industry by preparing and hosting meals for family, friends, and for his church community. At it’s peak, Terry and Reba hosted upwards of 70 people for Thanksgiving lunch and their famous “day after” camp stew and rice.
Terry joined the First Baptist Church of Samson in 2019 and was proudly ordained as Deacon in 2023. True to form, he continued to foster meaningful relationships with his church members and their families. Above all else, Terry enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, he was a remarkable storyteller, and could always be counted on for a laugh to take the edge off of any situation. He truly had a “larger than life” personality with a gifted dry sense of humor and ability to “hold the laugh” to keep you guessing will be missed by all. He was loved by all who were fortunate to know him and will never be forgotten.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Sandra J. Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Reba Newell two children, Dr. Jason M. Newell of Montevallo, Alabama and Terra Newell Mack of Geneva (Justin), 3 grandchildren, Neil Chapman Mack, Peyton Brooke Mack, Elizabeth James Newell his loyal companion blue healer, Bama, and many beloved friends and family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Samson. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Geneva, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the First Baptist Church of Samson youth ministry.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
