I am doing fine as I have moved back to Newton. My dad passed
away in May of 2006 and Mother was here by herself, so I
decided to move back to Newton.
I did find you web site and I did enjoy the personal updates
on Newton High Students.
My New Address is:
Walter E. Walker
386 Pecan Rd.
Newton, MS 39345
wlaewalker@hughes.net
601 683-2895 (home)
228 623-1718 (cell)
Hello everyone!!! This Tiger Roar site is great!! As
for me, well I have been married for 25 yrs. now to
the love of my life and have 2 grown sons. No
grandbabies yet but hopefully one day. I live in Decatur, MS
and work as a forklift driver for the press dept. @
Unipres in Forest, MS. It is a Japaneese Co. and we
build automobile parts for Nissan. Although I really
enjoy driving a forklift, I decided that since the
children are grown and gone that I wanted to go back to
school. I am enrolled @ ECCC and am studying electricity.
Who knew there was so much to learn about
electricity and wiring houses and what not... It's all good
though!! My husband John works for the Golden Moon
Casino as a slot technician. I can tell he really enjoys
his work there. Life is good at the Frith house and we
look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Name: Doris Blanks Frith
11843 Good Hope Rd.
Decatur, MS 39327
Email: dorisfrith@yahoo.com
Rhonda (Montgomery) Robertson
Name: Melanie Graham Beard
Email: mbeard@taylorconstruction.net
I married Donnie Beard in 1992, we live in Heidelberg,
MS, have two children - Hope DOB 3-31-95 and Josh DOB
9-27-97 and three German Shepherds and two cats. I
work full time as an administrative assistant and
bookkeeper for Taylor Construction Company, Inc which is a
natural gas pipeline company. I stay involved with
the kids at school, they attend Heidelberg Academy and I
am currently serving as PTO President. Hope is a
Junior Varsity Cheerleader and plays fast pitch softball.
Josh has been a student of Karate for three years
and during his tournament season I help out as
scorekeeper. My husband Donnie is employed with BAE Systems in
Hattiesburg where they assemble Howitzer 155 guns for
the military. His travels with his job have allowed
us to travel to Hawaii and California over the last
year.
Melanie Beard
498 County Road 359
Heidelberg, MS 39439
H 601-787-3626
C 601-319-8542
W 601-426-2987
Name: Faye (Baucum) Foster
Email: fayeteaches2nd@comcast.net
I married Ray Foster in 1960 a month after I
gradutated from Newton High. I taught elementary school for 34
years, retiring in 2005. Ray was a Baptist minister
and his pastorates took us to Texas and several places
in Mississippi and then to Georgia before he passed
away in June, 1992. I have 2 daughters Anita Hunt
(Thibodaux, LA) and Kim Williams (Columbus, MS). I call
Cartersville, GA, home now.
Faye Baucum Foster
14 Chunn Drive, N.W.
Cartersville, GA 30120
Name: Gay Godwin
Email: dragongrneyed@yahoo.com
Hey everybody! My name is Gay Godwin and I still live
in Newton. I have three beautiful children , 2
daughters and 1 son. my oldest daughter and her husband have
given me a precious grand son. I am divorced and my
youngest still lives at home with me. please drop me a
line at dragongrneyed@yahoo.com. I hope to hear from
all of you that I know and love. I hope many of you
remember me as well as I vividly remember you.
Class of 1984 I am single and live in West Monroe LA.
I have a son Ry Tucker Gaines he is 11 years old. I
visit Newton often and enjoy seeing friends and family.
Kerry C. Gaines
667 Barnes RD.
West Monroe LA. 71291
PH.318.680.0523
kcgaines95@aol.com
Jan Crenshaw Frady is married to William Chad Frady.
We married July 24th,1993. I have one step-daughter,
Ashley who is expecting her first baby in June.
I am a housewife and mother. We bought my grandparents
place in Chunky 4 years ago and love the peaceful, quite
living in the country.Chad works for Phoenix Fabricators
and is the foreman of his crew. They sandblast and paint
elevated water towers, such at the one off Hwy 15
by the showbarn in Newton. Hope some of you have seen it!!
Thanks Rusty for all the hard work I know you have
put in making this site for all us Tiger fans and graduates.
Jan C. Frady
6106 Pt. Wanita Lake Road
Chunky, MS 39323
(601)655-8068
Email: chadsangel41@msn.com
This picture was from the 10-year reunion of the Class of 1978 at Decatur back in 1988. Gwen tells me there are plans underway for our 30-year reunion at the Train Depot in Newton in the summer of 2008. So start the diets!
Tim Reeves lives in Madison, MS. He worked for Walmart for 10 years managing the pet and garden departments, he owned Fish Bowl Pet Shop in Ridgeland for 8 years. He now raises and sells exotic birds for wholesale.
(Kip's daughter, wife and son pictured)Jewelry shop owner David "Kip" Logan, 49, died 8/29/2005 during hurricane Katrina.
LAUREL, Miss. — Tuesday will be a difficult day for Deborah Logan and her two grown children. Ryan, 25, and Laura Ashley, 20.
David Kip Logan 1956 - 2005
Mississippi State Senator Terry C. Burton (Rep) is Chairman of the Elections committee. He is Vice Chairman of the Public Health & Welfare Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations; Congressional Redistricting; Education; Insurance; Judiciary, Division B; Legislative Budget; Legislative Reapportionment; Public Utilities and Rules committees. He serves on the Oversight Committee For Mississippi Home Corporation and The Mississippi College Savings Plan Oversight Committee. He also serves on several national and regional committees, including The Southern Growth Policies Board. Senator Burton is a York Rite Mason and a Shriner. He is a member of the Rotary, Jaycees, Newton Booster Club, Country Music Association, MS Broadcasters Association, and the Newton Chamber of Commerce. Senator Burton was born in Philadelphia on January 31, 1956. He is married to the former Darleen Allday; they have two children and two granddaughters. His religious affiliation is Methodist.| 101 Rew Street | Room: 212C - NC |
| Newton, MS 39345 | P. O. Box 1018 |
| (601) 683-7050 (H) | Jackson, MS 39215 |
| (601) 683-6695 (W) | (601) 359-3234 |
| (601) 683-6695 (F) |
Hamp graduated from Mississippi College in 1978 with B.S. in Education. Hamp was in business for sixteen years and served as the Mayor of Newton for thirteen years. 
Business Counselor
If sending your picture by email sounds like Greek then mail it to me at:
Dr. Tim Reynolds is married to Susan (Speed/Class of 1978). They have two sons and a daughter and live in Houston, TX. Dr. Reynolds is an interventional cardiologist. Jamey (22) is graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Economics on May 11 (2007)! He has landed a job in Dallas with a foreign exchange business and will be moving in June. Logan (18) has almost completed his freshman year at Texas A&M and still deciding on a major at this point. Holly (17) is a junior in high school and is thoroughly enjoying her friends and activities. Susan is in her 14th year of teaching and loves her 2nd graders. Tim's dad (R.J. Reynolds) passed away in JulyDavid G. Willis, P.E.
NHS Class of 1975
Deputy Director of Public Works City of Jackson
Graduate of Mississippi State University – Civil Engineering
Married to Suzanne Morgan -NHS Class of 1978
Married November 23, 1984
Reside in Clinton, MS since 2000
Children – Son – Morgan DOB 9-30-1989
Son – Evan DOB 6-7-1992
After leaving college in South Carolina I moved to Atlanta, GA and
Suzanne Willis -NHS Class of 1978Attended ECJC
Married to David Glen Willis -NHS Class of 1975
Married November 23, 1984
Reside in Clinton, MS since 2000
Children – Son – Morgan DOB 9-30-1989
Son – Evan DOB 6-7-1992
I’ve worked as a Teaching Assistant at Clinton Park Elementary since March 2002. Prior to working at Clinton Park, I worked at La-Z-Boy South in Newton for 5 years until we moved to Jackson, MS for David’s career. In 1986 I went to work for NCR Corporation and hoped to retire fully vested with them. AT&T bought out NCR and eventually closed our office in 1994. In 1994 I went to work for Newsprint South, Inc. Bowater bought Newsprint South, Inc. in 2000. I stayed home and drew my severance and took care of my mom who had Knee replacement surgery and my dad who had prostate cancer (Died Sept. 5, 2002). Having never been home with my children other than summer vacations and Christmas holidays I decided that I liked being home but not full time. I went to work at the school so that I could have the same vacations and holidays as them. I’ve found this to be rewarding and challenging work!! I‘ve had many children that touched my heart and some that were quite a challenge but I’m glad I’ve had this opportunity. I plan to return to the office environment in the future as I’ll soon have a child in College. The boys keep us busy with Soccer, Band and Church activities. We are very proud of them!
Anthony Sylvester
10492 HYW 493
Bailey, Ms 39320
Tony Sylvester
Purchasing Manager
Pioneer Inc.
601-581-3029 Phone
601-483-4762 Fax
E-MAIL: tony_sylvester@pioneerautoinc.com
Rusty's third novel (Lightning Tree) is dedicated to the lasting memory of Bobby Payne, a quiet lanky boy full of intelligence and life, a 1978 Newton High School graduate who unfortunately lost his life at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis during routine training exercises.
Bobby Payne (1960 – 1981)
Regina Gail Gibbs Rigby (1958 - 2006)
Regina Gail Gibbs Rigby, 48, a beloved Forest school teacher, died Friday, Nov. 10 at her home with her family lovingly surrounding her. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 at Forest United Methodist Church, with burial in Macedonia Methodist Protestant Cemetery. Rev. Mike Sahler, Rev. Lin Chesney and Dr. Leon Everett officiated and Norma Ruth Lee delivered the eulogy. Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest handled the arrangements.
Regina was born April 24, 1958 to Ina Gibbs and Sidney Gibbs, Jr. At a very young age, Regina began to excel in academics. In 1976, she graduated with honors from Newton High School. She continued with outstanding achievements at East Central Community College. After marriage and two children, she graduated from Mississippi College with special distinction and began a stellar career as an educator with the Forest public schools. She soon earned the National Board Certification for teachers.
On December 18, 1978, she became the bride of Bill Rigby, who shared many of her talents and interests. Together, they reared a daughter, Ginny, and a son, Anse, and the talents multiplied through their children.
In addition to full-time teaching, Regina, assisted by her husband, Bill, directed a long list of musicals and dramas for the Forest Community Arts and East Central Community College players. Many of her former students have expressed great appreciation for what she taught them through the disciplines of the classroom and the stage and, more importantly, through her exemplary Christian life.
She was an active member of the Forest United Methodist Church, having taught Sunday school and being a member and soloist in the choir. She was considered a Bible scholar, and she never stopped studying God’s Word. She was a gifted artist, actress, musician, composer, director, writer and her family, friends and the community cherish the memory of her remarkable abilities.
As Regina courageously fought her battle with cancer, she thanked God for Bill, her devoted husband of 28 years; her daughter Ginny Ivy and husband Dustin; granddaughter Sydney Klaire Ivy of Raleigh; her son, Anse; her mother, Ina Gibbs; her brothers, Randy Gibbs of Newton and Jeff Gibbs of Clifton; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of loving Rigby in-laws.
Regina was preceded in death by her father, Sidney Gibbs, Jr. and an infant daughter, Lillie Caitlin.
Pallbearers were Tommy Davis, Ronny Jones, Sid Salter, Hugh Carr, Steve Ware, Joey Rigby, Jeremy Gibbs, Jordan Gibbs and Tyler Rigby. Honorary pallbearers were Brenda Miles, Carol Ann Jones, Trudy Blalock, Gina Burns, Denise Hollingsworth, Martha Cleveland, Brooke Bagley, Leah Rigby, Connie Stewart, Brandon Chambers, Ryan Coulter, Matt Reynolds, Justin Hurdle, Jason Hurdle, Jess Dilley, Ryan Reeves, Wade Brown and Austin Wilbanks.
Memorials may be made to the Forest United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Forest, MS 39074.
I am currently the Financial Management Director for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. In my second job, I am a Lieutenant Colonel in the MS Army National Guard where I am presently serving as the Battalion Commander of the 1-204th Air Defense Battalion, headquarted in Newton .My wife, Soyrietta , and I live in Ridgeland. She teaches Kindergarten at Christ Covenant School .We have two sons, William, 8 and John Wallace, 22 months.
Mark Valentine
103 Timbercrest Drive
Ridgeland , MS 39157
(601) 856-5563
J. Mark Valentine
Financial Management Director
Mississippi Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 1850
Jackson, MS 39215-1850
I am currently the Director of Insurance for the corporate headquarters of U-Save Auto Rental. I am married to Josie Roach and have a 2 yr old son, Mason.
Brian Roach
66 Camellia Lane
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 853-1365
I am married to Hollis Nelson. I am currently employed with Regions Bank (9 years) as a Financial Sales Representative in Gulfport, MS. Hollis Retired from the Navy after 22 years, 3 months and 5 days, not that he was counting! We have 2 children. Orion is 20 and a Junior at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS majoring in Nursing and Lauren is 17 and will be graduating high school this May. She plans to attend the local community college and major in Dental Hygene. 
I've really enjoyed finding out about all my former schoolmates on this site. I go through all the school years to see updates every so often. I have worked at La-Z-Boy South for 21 years. I am the Benefits Manager in the Human Resources Dept. there. I'm married to Andy Rowzee, who works at Esco Corp. We make our home in Hickory, where we moved into a new home one mile north of I-20 in 2002.
I have a step-son, Steven (age 22), and a daughter, Makenzie, who is 12. I stay very busy with her and love every bit of it. There's so much more for kids to do than there was when we were young!
I'm very involved with the Newton Theatre Company which performs in the old Roxy Theatre that has been renovated. I've done everything from directing to acting to working on costumes and serving on the board, etc. I love it and especially love working with kids during productions.
Julie (Goodwin) Rowzee
10662 Hwy 503
Hickory, MS 39332
Evelyn is a Associate Teaching Professor of Business Management Communication at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Rusty lives in Madison. He is a writer, a huge music fan and enjoys working on computer software. For the past year he's been in a committed relationship with Annie, his former editor at the newspaper.
Marcia's been working on an independent film with a friend that is being submitted to Sundance. She has a project in the works for a pod website and she's working on writing a comedy she hopes to submit to Comedy Central. Marcia currently calls Tucson, AZ her home.
"...I am starting as sales and marketing director for a retirement community owned by Sunrise. I just tripped up on it as I was looking for something part time to supplement my insurance sales. My previous position was community director." Krista is ddivorced and has three sons.
Susan is married to Dr. Tim Reynolds (Class of 1977). They have two sons and a daughter and live in Houston, TX where Susan teaches 2nd grade at Brookwood Elementary School. Jamey is graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Economics on May
Georgia lives in Clyde, Texas where she raises and trains horses.
"...I am married for the third and last time... If I have not gotten it right by now I will give it up. I am a nurse but do not currently work. My husband is a nurse too. We met at work. I met Wayne after my second divorce and we dated two years and married. He is eight years my senior and that was good for me. We moved from Mobile for him to accept a job in Alex City, Ala. We lived there until last year. We are currently living in Birmingham. We started our own business shortly after moving to Alex City. We sold the business this summer. I do love Birmingham. We actually live in Inverness jsut off 280. I still go back home about every three months..." Tina (Vaughn) Willard
3509 Wyngate Trace
Birmingham, AL 35242
Roy Vaughn lives in Ridgeland, MS. He is married to Greta and has two daughters - Sarah and Victoria.
Lynne is a long time officer at Community Bank - she's married with two sons and lives in Forest.
"...My oldest girl is a senior this year(2006) and my middle girl is a junior . My son is in the sixth grade. I'm coaching at Neshoba Central in Philadelphia. I only coach Jr. high So I can be with my family more. Rita is a social worker at the school..."
Rusty, I really enjoyed visiting Tiger Roars. Some of my best memories were formed growing up in Newton and attending Newton High. I still keep in touch with a fair amount of former class mates. I would like to see more people register on your sight (including a picture a must) especially, some of those from the class of 1976. This photo of Robin and me was taken while visiting New Orleans some years ago. Not much has changed with our looks, except like most people, a few extra lbs., wrinkles, and gray hairs. I am employed at V.T. Miltope as a planner and Robin works for the State of AL, Public Health Department as an epidemiologist. My mom retired and resides in Foley,AL so we get down to the AL beaches quite often which we enjoy. Most of the time you can catch Robin and me at home. During the football season we are always watching and supporting Auburn football, WAR EAGLE! --Gwen is married to Robin Moore and lives in Montgomery, AL.
"...I work for UPS. My son Haven is 27 (2006). In other words I am old. Haven lives in Newton and works in ND. He is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I remarried and became a full time cowgirl on a working ranch here in LA. Now that was fun, I broke colts and rode everyday. Then I got a real job. I have been with UPS for 12 years. I am a supervisor. I run a very small center in Delhi..."
"...I live in Tennessee close to the Smokey Mountains and I am a social worker. I just finished reading all of your blog and it is so amazing to catch up with you..."
The old building remains. It's still there but for you, me and countless others its gone. It's been gone a long time now. Yet somewhere in the deep recesses of our brain it remains. Not the hollow halls or the brick exterior but the lingering memory of laughter and chatter - the sounds of teenage chaos. It was a part of us for so long... a vital part that shaped our dreams and molded our character. You know how it is - a song will come on the radio and before you know it you are there again for a split second - caught between the bells and the slamming metal lockers with an armload of books. That insane place won't die... it lives... deep in each of us, it still lives.
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