Ronald Pate Newman of Ridgeville, SC, peacefully departed this earth and went home to the Lord on August 20, 2026 while surrounded by family.

Ron was born in Macon, Georgia on February 20, 1945 to Ned and Mabel Newman, the fifth of seven children. He graduated from Hawkinsville High School in 1963 and after a year and a half at Middle Georgia College, joined and served in the United States Air Force for 3 years, 9 months, 1 day, 16 hours, 32 minutes, and 15 seconds (but who’s counting?). While serving in the military, he married the love of his life, Diane, on July 11, 1965, and after returning from a one year deployment in Greece, they were stationed in California for the duration of their service. While still in California, Ron became a State Farm agent on July 1, 1969. During his career at State Farm, he was an agent in California, Georgia and South Carolina as well as an agency manager in South Carolina for several years. His final years with State Farm were served in North Charleston, SC, as an agent until his retirement in October of 2010. Ron was a consummate entrepreneur who had a passion for finding and developing businesses for his children and grandchildren as well as friends. He touched so many lives through the training and life counsel he provided. 

Ron was a devoted Christian throughout his life and was an ordained Deacon at First Baptist Church of Aiken. In the final years of his life, he was a member of Kingdom Church in Summerville, SC, and though unable to serve recently, he loved being a greeter at church when his health would allow. As a notary public, he had the privilege of joining several couples in marriage. 

Ron was known by many names: Ronnie, Uncle Ronnie, Dad, Dedaddy, Da, Papa, Mr. Newman, and probably even more. He was always making friends wherever he went, and truly never met a stranger. Probably more than anything else in the world, he loved spending time with his family. 

He is survived by a large and loving family, including his wife, Diane Cliatt Newman of Ridgeville, SC; his three siblings and their spouses: Ned (Marie) Newman, Michael (Carol) Newman, and Starlette (Donald) Sinyard; as well as his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Brian (Keren) Ben, Justin, Mary, and Ricky; Richard (Danielle), Elaina (Cam), Rick, and Kaleb; Susan (Jace), Chesnee, Rylee, and Joey; Ronald “Chip” Jr. (Nicki), Nickolas (Starr), Ronald “Pate” III, Sabrah (Jordan), Pierce, Adain, Carley (Dylan), and Sophia. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as siblings and their spouses: Judy (Harold) Bryant, Leon (Beth) Newman, and Rachel (Terry) Cannon, and his nephew, Roger Cannon. 

The celebration of the life of Ronald Newman will be held Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 am at Restoration Community Church located at 6058 Miami Street in Hanahan, South Carolina. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Kingdom Church 406 Sigma Drive Summerville, SC 29483 kingdomchurchsc.org