For Lincoln County Mayor Bill Newman, public service didn’t begin with politics. It began on the family farm, in the barns filled with dairy cattle, and in the simple traditions that defined his childhood in rural Lincoln County.
Long before he occupied an office in the Lincoln County Courthouse, Newman was learning lessons about hard work, faith, family, and community. For Newman, these lessons would help prepare him to lead the county he has always called home.
“You know, being a farm guy and being raised on the farm that I still live on holds a lot of treasured memories for me,” Newman said.
Those memories include his family coming together with the well-known Durham family. The two families helped each other make a living by working the land, becoming one large extended family.
“A milestone for me is when my family joined Mr. Charlie Durham’s family in our dairy business and farming,” he explained. “Before that, it was just my mom, dad, my two sisters, and me running the farm. Work is more fun when you have family. Doc, Joe, Harold, Rex, Ricky, and Mr. and Mrs. Durham were all family. We all enjoyed working together on the farm. That’s one of my fondest memories.”
Those early years taught Newman that success isn’t measured solely by the work accomplished but by the people beside you while doing it — a philosophy that continues to guide him today.
Newman said his foundation was built first in the home.
“Well, of course, my mom, dad, and grandparents,” he said. “I was raised in a good Christian home. My influences and the love that I received in our home were special.”
Outside the home, educators helped shape his future. Newman credits his agriculture teacher and National FFA Organization advisor, Mr. Ralph Hastings, as a major influence. He also points to Dr. Cecil E. Byrd and Dr. Farris Beasley as mentors whose guidance left a lasting impression.
Those influences would eventually lead Newman to careers as a veterinarian, an educator at Motlow State Community College, a real estate broker, and a county commissioner before he sought the county’s highest elected office. I think all of that helps prepare in the best way possible.”
Ironically, Newman says politics was never part of the original plan.
Former Lincoln County Mayor Jerry Mansfield encouraged him to take that first step.
“I helped him when he was running for county mayor,” he said. “Just his influence and seeing how he worked, and that he did such a good job. He was a major reason I ran for commissioner and then for county mayor. He was definitely an influence on my life, even though we’re about the same age.”
“For the descendants of those who worked on farms and dairies that are still here, they’re still giving an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, and I hope that doesn’t change. We have some great families that have been here for centuries, but we also have a great community that continues to grow,” he added.
Those same hardworking values prepared Newman for public office.
For Newman, however, the title of county mayor has never been about prestige.
“And the most rewarding part of the job is really being able to help people,” he stated. “A lot of times, people will come to the office, and they just don’t know where to turn, or they don’t know where to get help. I’m proud that our office can help them with most of what they need or at least point them in the right direction.”
He is quick to credit others for that success
Newman said his wife, Amy, of 26 years, is to be thanked for her support. He said she took care of things in their family when he had to be away. He added he could not have done it without her steadfast support. He is also thankful for his family, which includes his grandchildren, Isaac and Mary Grace.
He added that his staff is also to be credited for the success of the last 12 years.
“The last 12 years have all been a team effort with Dora Barnes, Laura Monks, Meredith Kowalski, and Diane Buchanan,” he said. “We run this office with just one full-time person — that’s Dora. The other three that I mentioned were all part time at different times, helping in the office, but it’s always been a team effort. Anything that has gotten done was because God blessed us, and we worked as a team through it.” GN
