Hickory – Wayne G. Newton 91, my daddy went home to the Lord and to his beloved wife Juanita on Sunday, May 30th. He always considered himself a “country boy” even though he had lived in Hickory since the late 1940s. He came from a different era where hard work on the Newton family farm in Cleveland County was expected, giving him a work ethic not often seen today. He would speak of growing cotton, picking it by hand and taking it to the cotton gin on a wagon pulled by mules. This country life gave him grit that sustained him throughout life as he provided for his family as a loving husband and father. Having met his wife in church, his devotion to his Christian faith continued until his death. He never met a stranger and always had something to talk about. He enjoyed being a long distance truck driver at several different companies. He enjoyed seeing the country, meeting new people and being free on the open road as he had been in the open fields growing up. In his later years after retirement, he continued to work at the Galaxy Grocery store until he was in his 80s. Work was enjoyable to him as it provided fulfillment. In this last year, he experienced declining health, but continued to be as active as possible even participating in a small family birthday party on May 21st.
He leaves behind his only daughter, Gail Ford; his son-in-law Robert Ford; his granddaughter, Lauran Ford Mosser, his grandson-in-law, Jason Mosser, and his great-granddaughter, Taylor Mosser. Also, he leaves his sister, Carol Newton Hunt of Cleveland County along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Juanita Hudson Newton. He will be truly missed, but he is home now.
A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2021 at 10:30 am at Catawba Memorial Park with Rev. Dennis Hester and Pastor Joshua Barrett officiating.
Mr. Newton will lie in state prior to the graveside service from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Catawba Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Newton family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
