Elton C. "Bill" Newsome

Elton C. “Bill” Newsome Sr., 62, passed away on October 8, 2022 in Hattiesburg, MS. Bill was born in Hattiesburg, MS on August 16, 1960 to Alvin and Mary (Hibley) Newsome. He grew up all over Southern Mississippi, helping his father work on a chicken farm. He didn’t let his young age hold him back from hitting the road. Long before he was supposed to, he was out driving around. Bill enjoyed fishing, even more so when he became a pawpaw and took his grandbabies along for the fun. As soon as he was able to, Bill became a commercial driver, hauling anything and everything for over 40 years. The best part about his driving career was decorating his truck, and boy did he! Every year that truck was lit up like a Christmas tree, bringing joy to everyone passing by. He also drove a tour bus for rock group Systematic, country legend Loretta Lynn, actor Billy Bob Thornton, and music icon Snoop Dog, and many more. Bill will be remembered for being a storyteller, he could spin up a good one, and make you believe it. As his family says, he could sell a cockroach to a blind man and make him think he got himself a caddy! He was a loving husband, father, pawpaw, and friend to many. Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 28 years, Theresa (Oliver) Newsome; children, Kimberly (Dempsey) Beach, Elton (Stacey) Newsome Jr., Alton (Sosha) Newsome, Sybil Newsome, Mindy (Ben) Bennett, and Alexandria (David) Ballard, siblings, Danny Ray (Brenda) Newsome and Elizabeth (Joseph) Tassin; along with 13 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren; and two great friends, Ray Bennett and Ronnie Fuller. Bill is preceded by his parents, Alvin C. Newsome and Mary Joyce (Hibley) Newsome; two his brothers, Thomas Dale Newsome and James Newsome. Visitation will be held at Caney Baptist Church in Lumberton, MS at 6:30pm with a service on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 2:00 pm.