John R. Newberry

John R. NewberrySylacauga, AL - John R. Newberry, 88, of Sylacauga, AL died January 9, 2016.  He was born May 21, 1927, in Socapatoy, Alabama, to Henry and Mae Newberry.  John had four siblings:  Reginald, Melba, Lillian, and Louie Newberry.A graduate of Auburn University, John began his career in a joint business venture with Buck Motes.  He then opened his own accounting office and eventually worked for Goolsby and Walkley as a CPA.  John finished his career by retiring from the job he loved most - City Clerk for the City of Sylacauga.John served in the United States Navy where he received an honorable discharge for medical reasons.John was a devoted and active member of First United Methodist Church in Sylacauga, and served in various administrative capacities.  He loved his church, and he loved Jesus Christ.John was married to Joyce T. Newberry of Dadeville, AL for 59 years.  "Cup" as he called her, was the love of his life.He is survived by his daughter, JoAnna Banks (Sid Banks), sister-n-laws, Henrietta Newberry, Sandra L Taylor, and Ruth Wilkes.He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mae Newberry, his brothers and sisters, and his wife, Joyce T Newberry.Visitation will be Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, Sylacauga, ALwith the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 pm.Pallbearers will be Johnathan Banks, Rick Barnett, Trey Sims, Will Sims, Kirk Smithwick and Skip Smithwick.In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Sylacauga.Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com.Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.