Milton Lee Newton, Jr.

SAVANNAH – Milton Lee Newton, Jr. passed away Saturday, September 19 at his Southbridge home, surrounded by family and friends.

He served on the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission for 36 years, 5 as Executive Director, and was recognized upon his retirement for his leadership in implementing numerous programs to benefit the community.

Milton was a deacon at First Baptist Church on Bull Street where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, chaired the Budget and Finance Committee on several occasions, chaired the Stewardship Committee, and in the absence of a Senior and Associate Minister, helped lead Sunday worship services.

A member of the Savannah Lions Club, Milton served in almost every office, including Vice President and President. At the time of his death, he had the distinction of being honored as “lifetime Lion.” For many years, he was treasurer for the Lion’s annual Christmas tree fundraiser sale.

In addition, Milton gave tirelessly of his time and talent to the county by serving on numerous philanthropic and service boards, including the Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank, among others.

He was a member of the local French Revolution regiment re-enactment group for a number of years. His fellow members lauded his eager leadership and sense of humor for earning him rapid promotion in the unit.

Milton did his undergraduate and graduate work in Geography at the University of Georgia where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity.

Upon his retirement from MPC in 2003, Milton enjoyed his passion of travel, having visited 54 foreign countries and 46 U.S. states.

Milton is survived by his 94-year-old mother, Mamie Newton; his sister Treasa Newton-Akins; his brother-in-law Bill Akins; his niece Terri Hernandez, all of Ringgold, Georgia; two aunts: Betty Lacy of Cloudland, Georgia, and Mary McClain of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, a great niece and nephew and numerous cousins.

Milton was 72-years of age. He was preceded in death by his father, Milton L. Newton, Sr.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 23 at the Wilson Funeral Home, 443 Boynton Drive, Ringgold, Georgia 30736. (706) 935-2388.

A memorial services in Savannah will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 26 at First Baptist Church, 223 Bull Street.

Fairhaven Funeral Home & Crematory

2794 West US Highway 80

Garden City, GA 31408

(912)964-2862

www.fairhavenfuenralhome.net