Ralph G. Newman, Sr., age 94, of Gulfport passed away January 18, 2026, in Gulfport.

He was born August 29, 1931, to Fred and Ollie Ladnier Newman of Fernwood. Ralph was a proud "Fernwood boy", evidenced by the quote in his Biloxi High School senior yearbook: "If it weren't for Fernwood, Biloxi would be unknown." He was the vice president of his BHS 1949 senior class. Ralph proudly won the Mississippi State Golden Glove Lightweight Boxing Championship in 1949. He also played basketball for his beloved Indians.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bert (Fran) Newman and his sister Ruth (Bill) Agnew and his only Newman nephew, Richard. He is survived by his younger brother, Fred (Peggie) Newman.

Ralph was also preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Bennie Joe Snowden Newman and an infant daughter. He is survived by their two daughters, Darlene (Bryan) Turan and Peggy (Ronnie) Jones and a son, R. Gorman Newman, Jr. He is also survived by his wife of 24 years, Ann Ladnier Taylor Newman as well as her children, Ancil (Donna) Taylor, Jr., Laurie (Ron) Buskirk and Douglas Taylor. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A grandson and a great-granddaughter preceded him in death.

Ralph joined the U.S. Navy shortly after graduating from Biloxi High School in 1949. He was proud of his service in the Navy aboard the Thomas Jefferson and the A.E. Anderson vessels. He loved to narrate pictures from that time in his life. Ralph was most fortunate to retire at age 55 from the Navy Base; he stayed busy and active even after retirement.

Ralph was no stranger to work, working as a golf caddy at the old Broadwater Hotel when he was just 10 years old as well as working at his maternal grandmother's dairy farm. He also fished with his brothers in order for the family to eat during the rough depression days. He stayed in awe of his beloved mother that did her best to feed and support 4 children. An outdoorsman at heart, he golfed, hunted and fished and he could throw a cast net beautifully. His unique one-of- everything shed was his sanctuary.

He was a proud band parent for GEHS Vikings and GHS Admiral bands, traveling all over the state for competitions and helping with fundraisers. He coached T-ball as a grandfather and enjoyed any music performances by his children and grandkids. Ralph could jitterbug with the best of dancers, and he and Bennie Joe often danced around the living room during the Lawrence Welk Hour. He played church slow pitch softball while the whole family cheered from the bleachers, and he grafted prized camellia varieties and tasty pecans. Ralph was a Baptist all his life and was baptized at Fernwood Baptist Church as a young boy.

Ralph loved life and his family and lived his faith daily. He was a true Southern gentleman who didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk too. He will be truly missed. He spent his last hours listening to gospel music and favorite hymns.

The family wishes to thank Douglas Taylor for all the grocery shopping, companionship, chauffeuring, and everything else he has done over the last few years to help our parents.

A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider HSSM or any animal rescue center.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.

An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.RiemannFamily.com