Rev. David Michael "Mike" Newell

Rev. David Michael “Mike” Newell, age 83, of the Rock Branch Community in Elberton, GA passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at his residence.

Rev. Newell was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on July 24, 1939, son of the late Walter Elmer Newell and Daisy Irene Pierce Newell. He was a graduate of Point Loma High School and attended Azusa Pacific University. Rev. Newell devoted his life to serving the Lord. Mike dreamed of joining the military as a Chaplain, but the Lord had other plans. He worked faithfully with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) for 31 years. This work led him to be city directors in both Oregon and California, and state director in Indiana.  In addition, he traveled nationwide and abroad, most memorably to Sri Lanka and England, sharing the Gospel of Christ.  After moving to Georgia and eventually settling in the Elbert County community of Rock Branch, Mike joined Rock Branch Baptist Church where he was currently teaching the Ruth Sayer Sunday School Class.

Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Gertrude Marie “Trudy” Peale of Elberton, GA; children: David Newell and wife Tammy of Bellflower, CA, Judy Maynard and husband Ron of Lindale, TX, Beth Newell of Gatesville, TX, and Deborah Yackle and husband Jon of Anaheim, CA; grandson, Johnny Yackle of San Antonio, TX; siblings: Louis Newell, Nancy Hill, Miriam Caudill, and Jackie Ayers.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Ruth Elinor Hartwell Newell; and brother, Patrick Newell.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 23, from 10:00-10:45a.m. at Rock Branch Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11:00a.m. with the Rev. Kevin Vaughn officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Rock Branch Baptist Church, 2150 Coldwater Road, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Rev. David Michael "Mike" Newell.