Newman B. Betts, Jr.

On Saturday morning, March 8, 2025, Newman B. Betts, Jr., 82, stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He had endured a long illness and is now set free from his suffering.

He was born October 31, 1942, in Wake County, North Carolina, to the late Newman and Edna Betts, Sr. Newman grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, graduating from Deep Creek High School in 1960. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from the early to mid-1960s, where he was stationed in Spain. He then worked in civil service in Yorktown, Virginia. It was in Virginia, specifically Denbeigh Baptist Church in Newport News, where he met his sweetheart, Sandi, whom he married in June 1980. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he and Sandi started their life and family together. They eventually settled in Watkinsville, Georgia in 1994. In 1986, Newman began his time in Christian Ministry. Over 30+ years, he faithfully served the Lord, utilizing his education and eye for graphic design through Christian publications, as well as counseling and greatly influencing young men around the area with a goal of strengthening relationships based on Biblical principles. He had a heart for people in need, specifically widows and single parents. Even after his retirement, he continued to look for ways to serve and care for others. He will be remembered most for his love and devotion to Jesus Christ. His greatest passion was to share the gospel with everyone he encountered. If you met Newman, you heard about Jesus. Even when his physical health was declining, he was faithful in prayer and reading his Bible. Additionally, his love for his family was palpable. He led his family well in the truth of God’s Word. Aside from his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Harvey Nixon Betts. 

Survivors include his adoring wife of 45 years Sandra Varnell Betts, son Andrew Newman Betts (Paige), daughter Holly Betts Horgan (Dan), grandson Fiver Horgan, sister Lora Betts Sawyer (Tommy), brother Henry V. Betts (Susie), sister-in-law Betty Sharp Betts, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, March 10, 2025, at Lord and Stephens West from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Newman’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Chapel at Watkinsville First Baptist Church beginning at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Dr. Carlos Sibley. Burial will follow at Oconee Memorial Park.  

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at University Cancer and Blood Center, as well as Meredith Marlowe, Katie Wilkes, and Team with Family Hospice, for their excellent care and compassion.