Lucious Allen Newberry

Lucious A. Newberry, a retired Navy Veteran, and resident of Fitzgerald, GA, died unexpectedly on February 5. 2021 at the age of 64 in his home.

Lucious is survived by his children; son Jason Newberry (wife Pam Newberry) of Rockford, IL and daughter Michelle Kpandeyenge (husband Toma Kpandeyenge) of Elgin, IL; his sisters Jacqueline Tobe of Fitzgerald, GA and Sylvia Newberry of Detroit, MI, 8 grandchildren Corve King, Orion Newberry, Daiana Newberry, Savannah Kpandeyenge, Asia Newberry, Sariah Kpandeyenge, Samson Kpandeyenge, and Sebastian Kpandeyenge. As well as many nieces, nephews and family.  He is preceded in death by his wife Julie A. Moore; Mother Ruth Jackson; Father Lucious Newberry; and brother Larry Newberry. 

Lucious was born in Detroit, MI on April 12, 1956, to Lucious Newberry and Ruth Jackson. He grew up in Detroit where he graduated high school and enlisted into the U.S Navy serving over 25 years and married his beautiful wife of 37 years, Julie A. Moore. Lucious is also known as “Big Al’ among his friends and colleagues was an AD1 or Petty Officer 1st, Class Aircraft Mechanic. As he would say, when asked, what he did in the Navy…” I fix Shit” while tipping his beer with a head nod. For those who knew Big Al that was a trademark of his. He had his crew out at VF-301 reserve fighter squadron in Miramar, CA, and set the standard on the entire base. All but one of his fighter birds (jets) were fully mission capable with exception of one gripe, and according to him it was an “up gripe”. That is just Navy jargon meaning it was still able to fly! At one point the people over at “Top Gun” …. Yes! Top Gun… you know… Maverick…. Goose…Ice Man. Okay…okay maybe not those exact people, but the folks at Top Gun were apparently impressed while dogfighting against his birds that they informed his supervisors that they have never flown against F-14’s that had everything working in them like they were supposed to. The pilots that flew in his birds were very impressed with the functionality of each aircraft, straight and level flight even with a payload. And with a humbleness, he took his praise by the Navy for his efforts. 

After moving back to Illinois from Miramar, CA Lucious retired from his time in the Navy in April of 1995. From there on out he just lived and loved on his family and life. The love that he had for his wife who he missed very much and the love he had for his children was unmeasurable. The same goes for anyone who knew him. He also had a passion for Model Trains, Cars, and planes. He was seriously a master mechanic when it came to anything with an engine. Even in his retirement, he continued building and taking apart cars and trucks alike. He was a problem-solver who often took on difficult and unwanted projects. He was seriously a gentle giant who just loved people and living life. He will truly be missed by all his family, and friends. Rest Well Pops, Daddy, Brother, Uncle, Friend........ “Big Al”.

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