Obituary for Rev. Dr. John Thomas Newton Jr.
The Reverend Dr. John Thomas Newton, Jr. 88, of Black Mountain, NC, celebrated his first day in Heaven on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, January 28, 2018. John was born June 13, 1929, in Cedartown, GA, to the late John Thomas Newton, Sr. and Virginia Sparks Newton.
John received his Electrical Engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) in Atlanta, GA. He then attended Columbia Seminary in Decatur, GA, earning his Bachelor of Divinity and his Master of Theology degrees and later graduated from Emory University earning his PhD.
John was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Korean War. During his three years of service, he also volunteered to serve as the chaplain of the ship when one was unavailable.
He taught at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS, and at Montreat College for 30 years where he served as the chair of the Bible Department until he retired.
As a Presbyterian minister, he supplied many churches in the Asheville area. He actively attended Christ Community Church in Montreat where he led a Sunday night Bible study for many years.
John served on the Board of Adjustments for the Town of Black Mountain and as a building inspector for the Town of Montreat.
In addition to teaching, John enjoyed sailing with his family, playing classical piano, and communicating with missionaries through his ham radio ministry.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Jimmie Frances Bennett.
John is survived by his wife, Jean DeMatteo Newton; daughters, Kathryn Byers and husband, Frank of Huntersville, NC, and Karen Newton-Fogo of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Lydia Grace Fogo, Jonathan Newton Fogo and Gracie Ann Fogo.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, February 4, 2018, at 3:00 pm at Christ Community Church with Rev. Richard White officiating. A reception will follow the service.
A private burial will be held at Piney Grove Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Keystone Scholarship Fund, Montreat College, Advancement Office, PO Box 1267, Montreat, NC 28757 or Christ Community Church, Deacons Fund, PO Box 279, Montreat, NC 28757.
John received his Electrical Engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) in Atlanta, GA. He then attended Columbia Seminary in Decatur, GA, earning his Bachelor of Divinity and his Master of Theology degrees and later graduated from Emory University earning his PhD.
John was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Korean War. During his three years of service, he also volunteered to serve as the chaplain of the ship when one was unavailable.
He taught at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS, and at Montreat College for 30 years where he served as the chair of the Bible Department until he retired.
As a Presbyterian minister, he supplied many churches in the Asheville area. He actively attended Christ Community Church in Montreat where he led a Sunday night Bible study for many years.
John served on the Board of Adjustments for the Town of Black Mountain and as a building inspector for the Town of Montreat.
In addition to teaching, John enjoyed sailing with his family, playing classical piano, and communicating with missionaries through his ham radio ministry.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Jimmie Frances Bennett.
John is survived by his wife, Jean DeMatteo Newton; daughters, Kathryn Byers and husband, Frank of Huntersville, NC, and Karen Newton-Fogo of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Lydia Grace Fogo, Jonathan Newton Fogo and Gracie Ann Fogo.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, February 4, 2018, at 3:00 pm at Christ Community Church with Rev. Richard White officiating. A reception will follow the service.
A private burial will be held at Piney Grove Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Keystone Scholarship Fund, Montreat College, Advancement Office, PO Box 1267, Montreat, NC 28757 or Christ Community Church, Deacons Fund, PO Box 279, Montreat, NC 28757.