Wilburn A. Newton

Wilburn A. Newton, 91, of NC 126, Morganton, NC died Saturday, July 12, 2008 at College Pines Nursing Center in Valdese, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Casar, NC on April 12, 1917, he was the son of the late David Z. Newton and Octavia Ledford Newton.Wilburn was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, during which he served in the South Atlantic and South Pacific on the U.S.S. Nelson and the U.S.S. Christopher. He was employed at Great Lakes Carbon Corporation for 32 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he was a dedicated member of the Mens Wesley Bible Class. Wilburn was an avid gardener. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, he will be greatly missed.Wilburn is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doshia Johnson Newton of the home; a son, Andy Newton and wife, Terry, of Morganton; a daughter, Brenda Simmons and husband, Gary, of Kingsport, TN; a grandson, Scott Simmons and wife, Stephanie, of Knoxville, TN; a great-grandson, Hunter Scott; half-brothers, Jack Newton and wife, Joanne, of Casar and D.Z. Newton of Sarasota, FL; a half-sister, Ruth Lindsey of Lenoir, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Wilburn was preceded in death by brothers, Edward, Jasper, Cletus, Coye, and Douglas Newton; and sisters, Hettie Bridges, Emma Willis, and Etta Hipps.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. Holly Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church fifteen minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.