Eugene Edward "Daddy Gene" Newberry, 96, of Sheffield passed away on Friday, December 19, 2013 at Morningside of Sheffield. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday at St. Michaels Cemetery with Rev. Jim Warren and Father Edward Markley, OSB officiating.

Mr. Newberry was educated in the funeral business in Franklin, NC and worked for many years at Bryant Funeral Home. In 1938 he went to Fitzgerald, GA and worked for Pualk Funeral Home. He was drafted in 1942 into the Army Air Corps and fought in World War II. He returned home in 1945 to the funeral business in Eatonton, GA then reenlisted in the Air Force in 1947 and moved to Warner Robins, GA to work with the Military Air Transport Unit which later moved to Mobile, AL. Mr. Newberry enjoyed his years of flying all over the world with the Military Air Transport Unit. He taught the Military Air Transport Procedures in West Palm Beach, FL then retired in 1963. After retirement, he returned to live in Warner Robins and was employed by Watson Hunt Funeral Home in nearby Perry, GA. He then moved to Florence in 2004 to live with his daughter, Sara Biddle. He later enjoyed his retirement at Park Place and then at Morningside of Sheffield.

Daddy Gene is survived by his daughter, Sara Biddle. Sara''s memories are wonderful having kissed his photo every night he was in World War II and running into his arms on his return. Teaching her how to ride a bike, buying her paper dolls when she didn''t cry at the doctor''s office, teaching her that education and manners were important and happy memories of Christmas making the birthday of the Baby Jesus a lovely celebration. The music of Christmas was a special joy and how he loved to hear Sara sing and to see her acting on stage or in films.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Bernhardt Newberry; second wife, Dorothy Frey Newberry; parents, Edward and Jessie Camp Newberry; and sister, Beatrice Moffit.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Journeys of Faith Ministries; c/o Bob and Penny Lord; PO Box 845; Morrilton, AR 72110.

Special thanks are given to Dr. Lyman Mitchell, the staff of Morningside of Sheffield, and the nurses of Hospice Advantage.