Homer McNew

Homer George "Jimmy" McNew of Little Rock formerly of Bryant, 85, died March 30, 2011, at home in Little Rock after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. The son of Eula Mae Fisher McNew Ryan and Homer George McNew, McNew was born September 29, 1925, in Marion, Arkansas. He is survived by Susie Faye McNew, his wife of 64 years, his daughter Lyn Barth, his grandson Jay Barth Chuck Cliett, all of Little Rock, his sister Dora Ussery of Burleson, Texas, and his brother John Ryan Theresa of Mayflower, and several aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. McNew is predeceased by his father, mother, stepfather Albert Ryan, and brothers Pat Ryan and Bob Ryan. McNew attended Mabelvale High School before graduating from Bryant High School in 1943. After graduation from high school, he joined the Army Air Force in late 1943. In the European theatre, McNew was part of the 98th Bomb Group based in southern Italy. In October 1944, on his nineteenth bombing mission as a waist gunner, his B-24 Liberator "Little Joe" was shot down during a bombing raid over Maribor, Yugoslavia. McNew parachuted to safety, but was captured and became a prisoner of war of the German government in the Stalag Luft IV POW camp. During the so-called "Black March," a nearly 600 mile forced march through intense blizzard conditions, McNew and a handful of other prisoners escaped by overpowering a guard, finding their way to the American line. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievements. He was a long-time employee of Reynolds Mining Corporation, working in a variety of roles from after the time he returned from military service until retirement. His final role for Reynolds was designing the reclamation of large bauxite pits, helping to return them to usable land. McNew began Arkansas Surveying, Inc. in 1974, a company that specialized in surveying, percolation testing, and designing septic systems. He used his talents in public service, helping to design the Bryant city water and sewer system. He went on to serve as chair of the city’s Water and Sewer Committee for twenty-six years. He also served on the Bryant School Board for several terms and was proud to be on the board when the district desegregated its schools. McNew served on the board of the Saline County Civitan School, was a girls softball coach, and was a member of the Saline County Democratic Central Committee across a number of years. A member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Benton, he was the long-time treasurer of the congregation. McNew was a talented mechanic and restorer of antique automobiles, specializing in V-8 Fords. His black 1941 Ford Coupe received numerous awards. A private, family funeral service will be held. It will be followed by a celebratory reception to which all are invited 3:00-6:00 pm on Saturday, April 2, at the home of Jay Barth and Chuck Cliett 1711 Center St., Little Rock. The family wishes to thank the numerous individuals’ part of the Dogwood Team of Arkansas Hospice, VA Home Health, the VA Palliative Care unit, and the VA Fort Roots Adult Day Care Center. In lieu of flowers or food, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice 14 Parkstone Cir., North Little Rock, AR 72116, Hendrix College, any animal rescue organization, or the charity of one’s choice.

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