Obit - Edward R. Needham

Edward R. Needham of Covington, passed away October 6, 2013, at the age of 87. Mr. Needham was a talented Chemical Engineer. He taught himself computer programming, and wrote the production tracking software for Beaver Manufacturing Company, which he owned and operated for 43 years. From the time he started the company, in 1971, it has grown every year and still remains strong. In 1989, the Governor of Georgia presented him the Spirit of Business Award. He enjoyed flower gardening and building radios, was able to repair anything electrical, including organs, and even built his family's first TV from scratch. Mr. Needham lived in Matanzas, Cuba, from 1955-1960, while employed by Cuban Rayon Company. He was a seasoned world traveler, and visited many South American countries, including Venezuela, Columbia, Brazil, and Peru during his business travels. Mr. Needham enjoyed boating, and owned several boats over the years despite not being able to swim. He was a very compassionate and community-oriented individual. He believed in encouraging students while they were young, and teaching them hard work and perseverance would allow them to achieve anything. He and his wife, Nonie, received the R.O. Arnold Award in 2008. Mr. Needham was a member of Covington First United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Vestina (Broom) Needham.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Lenora (Nonie) Needham; children and their spouses, Edward W. Needham of Covington, Kathy Needham Rhodes and her husband, Robert, of Social Circle, Bryan A. Needham of Oxford; grandchildren, Seth Rhoades, Judson Rhoades, Charles Needham, Katy Rhoades, Krissy Rhoades, Rachael Needham; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Needham will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 2:00 PM, at the First United Methodist Church, in Covington, with Rev. Dr. Douglas Gilreath, Rev. Jan McCoy, and Rev. Dr. Don Martin officiating, and interment following in Covington City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, Tuesday, October 8, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. The family will receive friends again at the church Wednesday, prior to the service, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to Covington First United Methodist Church, 1113 Conyers Street SW, Covington, GA 30014.