Billie Wayne Newlin, age 82 of St. Francisville, passed away at home with his family beside him on Thursday, June 21, 2018. He was born May 3, 1936 in Lawrence County to Owen Eldon Newlin and his wife Leota Grace (Corbin) Newlin.
He married the love of his life, Linda Lee Campbell, on November 15, 1963, and she survives. After 50 years of marriage, Bill and Linda renewed their vows in 2013.
Bill proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He served as a Gunner’s Mate during the Korean War. He worked as a security guard on the railroad in Danville, IN. He then moved back to Illinois and went to work in the oil fields for Smith & Whitmer Drilling Company. Bill and Linda were house parents for the Knox County Youth Village for 10 years. He owned and operated Newlin’s Pool Hall, and later changed it to Newlin’s Stop & Go, a convenience store on Main St. in St. Francisville. He was dedicated to his customers. He made special trips to his customers during the holidays… just for the women and their cooking.
Bill and Linda made sure they went on yearly vacations to the Great Smokey Mountains, Panama City, and out West. At Christmas, they loved driving around looking at Christmas lights. This was a tradition that spanned two generations. Later in life, they loved traveling around to flea markets, antiquing, and making their way through the 400 Mile Yard Sale. Bill also enjoyed cruising around with his son, Mike, checking out the deer and wildlife.
He was a long-time member of the Free Methodist Church of St. Francisville.
Bill is survived by: his wife whom he was devoted to- Linda Newlin: one daughter- Shane Hall and husband Terry of St. Francisville: four sons- Jim Newlin and wife Judy of St. Francisville, Mike Newlin of St. Francisville, Rick Newlin and wife Lynn of Billet, and David Hutchings and with Leanne of Mount Sterling, KY: 2 sisters- Betty Oehlert of Lusk, WY and Pat Adams of St. Francisville: seven grandchildren- Rochelle Robason and husband Roger, Rick Hall and wife Kassandra, Lindsey Nelson and husband Nick, Sadie Butcher and husband Marcus, Colton Newlin, Caleb Newlin, and Trinity Newlin: one great-grandson- Elijah Cole Hall: and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents (Owen Eldon Newlin and Leota Grace Newlin), five brothers, and one sister.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018 at the Free Methodist Church in St. Francisville. Visitation will be at the church from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place in the Oaklawn Cemetery. Military rites to be given at the cemetery. Cunningham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.