Rev. Max Otis Newham, 94

The Rev. Max Otis Newham, 94, died Aug. 1 at McRae Manor Rehab facility.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Maude Brantley Newham, parents Jenkins and Fleda Nichols Newham, and a sister Merle Inman.
Surviving are children, Janice Cheryl Purvis and husband Jay of Roddy, and Wanda Sebald and husband Merle of Eatonton; grandson Jon Chester and wife Rebecca of Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Renee Joines and James of Atlanta, Macy Wambolt and Daryl of Alberto Canada, Jase Chester and Jamie of Roddy; great-great-grandchildren, Max Wambolt, Casandra Cheryl Chester, and Cameron Chester; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family.
Rev.n Newham joined Bridgeford Church of God in July, 1952, and began his ministry in December, 1952. He and his late wife Lillie Maude pastored Willachoochee Church of God, Oconee Church of God, Chester Church of God, Southside Church of God in Macon, while Max worked fulltime at Robins Air Force Base eventually heading up inspections.
Rev. Newham became a full-time pastor at Moultrie Church of God, Calhoun Church of God, Bainbridge Church of God, Bridgeford Church of God, and retired at Crossroads Church of God in Jesup (after 15 years) in December, 2000. Upon retirement, Max and Lillie Maude were delighted to become members of their home church Bridgeford Church of God and later attended Lighthouse Church in Hazlehurst.
Rev. Newham and his wife enjoyed travels to many states, however, the highlight of their travel was a visit to Israel where they visited many sites of their faith.
Brother Max will truly be sadly missed by all that loved and knew him.
Services were held Aug. 5 at Bridgeford Church of God with the Rev. Tyrone Hutchinson and the Rev. Jeremy DeLoach officiating. Interment followed in Hazlehurst City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jimmy McLeod, Donnie McEachin, Walt Swain, Ryan Yarbrough, Chuck Mosely and Ben McReady.
Music was rendered by his girls (as Brother Max called them), Beverly Spell Swain and Nita McEachin McLeod.
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home was in charge.