Greenville - Sterling Edwin Newcomb Jr., 77, of Greenville, Texas, passed away on Jan. 13, 2026 after a hard-fought battle with leukemia.

Sterling was born in Phillips, Texas, a small town in the Panhandle, where he developed friendships that lasted long after the town itself ceased to exist. It was in Phillips that he met his high school sweetheart, Karen, to whom he was married for more than 56 years.

Sterling received a law degree from Baylor University in 1971, after which he and Karen settled in Greenville, where Sterling practiced law for more than five decades. He was highly respected by both his colleagues and his legal adversaries. Outside the courtroom, Sterling loved nothing more than to 'hold court' with his friends and family, often regaling them with stories of his beloved outdoor endeavors - hunting, fishing and golfing. The jury's still out as to whether or not he may have, on occasion, embellished some details.

As intimidating as he could be in a courtroom, at home he was a kind, funny and generous soul, who touched many lives. His presence will be greatly missed by his wife Karen, his son Trey (Joanna), grandchildren Liam and Lexie, sister-in-law Nikki (Mike), half-brothers Jerry and Bobby, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sterling's memory may be made to Blood Cancer United or the Alzheimer's Association.