Mr. Donald E. Newman, age 85, of Mount Zion, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

He was born in Haralson County, Georgia on October 27, 1940 to the late Herman Aaron Newman and the late Gladys Lillian Robertson.

Donald attended West Georgia College, studying Elementary Education before pursuing a career in industry, public service, and business leadership. Over the course of his professional career, he worked with Stoffel Seals, Hoover Hanes Rubber Company, Associated Rubber Company, Southwire, Owner & Operator of Don's Shopette, Century Computers, Ashwood Building Systems, and later founded and operated The D.F.H. Company, a successful construction and renovation business that remained active for many years.

His most enduring contributions came through his decades of civic leadership in the City of Mount Zion. Beginning in 1973, Donald served multiple terms on the Mount Zion City Council and later served as Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and advisor to the city government. During his tenure, he helped oversee significant modernization and infrastructure improvements that transformed the community.

Among his most notable accomplishments were:

• Helping secure emergency state funding to connect Mount Zion to the Carroll County Water Authority following the failure of a primary city well.

• Leading efforts to modernize and expand the municipal water system, including obtaining major federal financing assistance for system-wide improvements and expansion into underserved areas.

• Serving for more than forty years as Mount Zion's representative on the Carroll County Water Authority Board of Directors.

• Playing a central role in establishing the Mount Zion Recreation Department, Police Department, and Volunteer Fire Department.

• Becoming the city's first Volunteer Fire Chief and organizing firefighter and EMT training programs that achieved Class A certification standards.

• Assisting in the acquisition and development of public facilities that later became the Mount Zion Senior Citizen Center and Mount Zion Recreation Facility.

• Helping establish Dillard Field and expand recreational opportunities for local youth and families.

Donald was also a pioneer in rural healthcare access. As co-founder and chairman of the Mount Zion Primary Health Care Clinics, he helped establish and oversee clinics serving Mount Zion, Whitesburg, and Franklin, Georgia. These clinics significantly expanded healthcare accessibility for residents throughout western Georgia and continue serving the community today.

In addition to his public service accomplishments, Donald invested heavily in youth mentorship and community involvement. He coached recreation baseball teams, served in numerous leadership positions within Five Points Baptist Church, and dedicated years to fostering children in need alongside his wife, Opal.

Even into his eighties, Donald remained active in civic leadership, continuing to serve both the City of Mount Zion and the Carroll County Water Authority while remaining engaged in church, construction, agriculture, and community affairs.

Donald Emory Newman leaves behind a lasting legacy of public service, infrastructure development, healthcare advancement, and community leadership. His work fundamentally shaped the growth and future of Mount Zion and improved the lives of countless citizens across Carroll County for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Opal Prater Newman; sons, Donald "Scott" Newman (Lynn) of Mount Zion, GA, Eric Emory Newman (Thomas Smith) of Augusta, GA, Gregory Jay Newman (Tammy) of Munford, AL, Travis Lynn (Lisa) of Kingsport, TN; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and sister, Joy Thomas of Marietta, GA.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Douglas Newman; and brother-in-law, Douglas Thomas.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 2 PM at West Georgia Technical College – Waco Campus. The family will receive friends at 1 PM until the service hour and then following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Five Points Baptist Church, 5801 Mount Zion Rd., Waco, GA 30182 or Tanner Hospice, PO Box 1136, Carrollton, GA 30112.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.