Otmer McCullough Newcomb, 82, of Clifton Forge, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.
Born August 27, 1936, he was a son of Otis and Iva Newcomb of Eagle Rock. He was married to and survived by his sweetheart of 59 years, Rosemary Barger Newcomb.
A devout Christian and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church, an ordained deacon, and a lay speaker to numerous churches over the years.
Employed by C & P Telephone Company for 42 years, he was also a United States Army veteran serving as a Field Radio Repairman. Otmer served as president of the Clifton Forge Little League, while coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and youth basketball. He volunteered at LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany.
He may be remembered by many as the man in the red suit, bringing smiles to children and adults alike. After his retirement, he enjoyed working in his woodshop and creating crafts along with Rosemary as “Newcomb’s Notions.”
Along with his wife, Mr. Newcomb is survived by two daughters, Debbie Sizemore and husband Steve and Sherry Ayers, both of Covington; a son, Richard Newcomb and wife Phyllis of Richmond; grandchildren, Heather and Jody Eggleston, Ashley and Brandon Forbes, Brandon Sizemore, and Dusty Kidd and wife Jan; great-grandchildren, Chloe and Kinley Eggleston, Kylie, Grace, and KP Forbes, and Preston Kidd; along with numerous nieces and nephews. “Sunshine” was his special furry friend.
With his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Billie Newcomb and Warner Newcomb, and sisters, Lorene Scott, Otis Gray, and Madeline Newcomb.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, February 23, 2at 1 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church, Covington, with the Rev. Bill Hartsfield and the Rev. John Hodgen officiating. Interment was in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor. Pallbearers: his best friend Kenny McClung, and other members of his Sunday School Class, Raymond Thacker, Charles Barton, Curly Smith, Harrison Scott, Jackie Butler, Larry Deacon, and Dennis Jones. The family received friends on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Temple Baptist Church, 300 Stratton Street, Covington, 24426 or to the Volunteers of LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany, 1 ARH Lane, Low Moor, 24457. To send condolences to the family online, visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.
