J. D. Newton

J. D. Newton, 82, of Bumgarner Dr. in Drexel died Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese following a period of declining health. He was born October 5, 1926 in Cleveland County, NC, and was a son of the late John Cletus Newton and Hattie Newton. J. D. was a member of New Home United Methodist Church. Affectionately known as "Tag" by his friends, he was a long term member of the "The Bluegrass Gospel Band" and played the mandolin. J. D. enjoyed bird watching and raised purple martins. He loved to garden and shared the fruits of his harvest with friends and neighbors. J. D. was an avid Carolina fan.He is survived by his wife, Margie Morris Newton of the home; a son, Steve "Curly" Newton and wife, Donna, of Casar, NC; a daughter, Kathy Anthony and husband, Janson, of Drexel, NC; grandchildren, Craig Anthony of Valdese and fiancée Kristina Allen, of Rutherford College, NC, Brent Anthony and wife, Jennie, of Kernersville, NC; and John David Newton of Casar; a half-brother, Charles White of Winston-Salem, NC; half-sisters, Elizabeth Vaughn, Gertrude Smith, and Mary Carswell, all of Morganton; and an aunt, Pauline Poole of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Edward Newton; and half-brothers, David and Robert Newton.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Beatty, Rev. Michael Harrill, and Rev. Sam Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at New Home United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to New Home United Methodist Church, 422 Moriah School Rd., Casar, NC 28020.