Brian Alan Newell, 55, of McCauley Lane, Boone, died Monday morning, January 23, 2012, at his home after an 11-month battle with cancer. He was born August 3, 1956, to Jack T. Newell and Frieda S. Newell of Abbeville, South Carolina. Brian was most recently employed by Charter Media of Boone.

Brian was a 1974 graduate of Abbeville High School in Abbeville, South Carolina. He attended Presbyterian College and Central Wesleyan College, both in South Carolina. Brian moved to Boone in 1978 to manage Chanello's Pizza. In 1979, he opened the Pizza Parlor (currently Red Onion Cafè). He later managed Daniel Boone Seafood, the Cardinal Motel, Econo Lodge of Boone and owned Brian's Sandwich and Ice Cream Parlor.

Brian was very active in the community. He loved his three children and enjoyed coaching them in Watauga Parks & Recreation tee ball, soccer, softball and baseball. Brian was a member and past master of Snow Lodge # 363, a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Winston-Salem, and the Oasis Shriners. He was also a member of the Boone Jaycees , Boone United Methodist Church, and Boone Optimist Club. He served on the Boone Tourism & Development Authority. His favorite charitable cause was Santa's Toy Box.

In addition to his parents, Brian is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sallie Ellis Newell; two daughters, Brianne Rose Thurman and husband, Joshua, of Fleetwood, NC and Jacqueline Elizabeth Newell of the home; one granddaughter, Claire Isabella Thurman, and soon-to-be granddaughter, Abigail Rose Thurman; one sister, Teresa McClain and husband, Joshua, of Level Land, South Carolina; one brother, Timothy Newell, of Abbeville, South Carolina; one special cousin, Karen Fryar of Columbia, South Carolina. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his only son, Andrew Russell "Drew" Newell.

The family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home, 194 Queen Street, Boone, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012, at Boone United Methodist Church. A Masonic graveside burial service will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens of Boone.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Snow Lodge # 363, PO Box 2672, Boone, NC 28607; Boone United Methodist Church, 471 New Market Boulevard, Boone, NC 28607; or Santa's Toy Box, PO Box 1337, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be sent to the Newell family at http://www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com .

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Newell family.