Forrest Bazel Newsome

Forrest Bazel Newsome passed away Monday, February 14, 2011 after a brief illness.  He was born March 4, 1930 in Lee County, SC, a son of Forrest Josie Newsome and Clara Gardner Newsome and grew up on the family farm near Hartsville, SC.

Mr. Newsome moved to Charleston in the 1950s when two of his sisters were in nursing school at MUSC.  In Charleston, he began his career as a general contractor and residential developer, building in many of the neighborhoods of Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley and Charleston Heights.  Later he was a partner in a hotel in the Charleston area.  

He was an avid fisherman, boater, hunter, and horseman, and was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America when his sons were younger.  He also coached community baseball and football leagues, and was a stock car racing enthusiast.  He was an active Shriner.

He was predeceased by his parents; sisters:  Edna Blackwell, Margaret Fuchs, Kathleen Wilson; and an infant brother, Harold Edward Newsome. 

He is survived by daughter Melinda Oeller and her husband Erwin of Summerville; sons: Scott Newsome of Charleston, Mark Newsome of Columbia and Alan Newsome of Summerville; sisters, Jackie Deyerle (Wetumka, AL) and Willene Burns (Florida); wife and mother of his first three children, Valmae Maher Newsome (Charleston); second wife and mother of his fourth child, Donna Walker (Oklahoma City).

The family would like to express appreciation to all his caregivers, particularly, Nick and Angel (Oncology floor), and Shanna and Carroll (CCU), who provided exemplary end-of-life care at Trident Hospital. 

Inurnment will be private in his family plot near Hartsville.  The family welcomes memorials in lieu of flowers to the Coastal Carolina Council, BSA, 1025 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston, SC, 29407-3441 or Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 715 Betsy Drive, Columbia, SC 29210; or to Shriners' Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-4277.  Memorial services in the Lowcountry and Midlands will be announced at a later date.  J. HENRY STUHR, INC. NORTHWOODS CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.