William J. Newton

William Jackson Newton, “Bill” passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Paoli Hospital, Paoli, Pennsylvania surrounded by his family and loved ones. 

William Newton made his home in Philadelphia from 1961 to 1999 and then retired to North Myrtle Beach SC. He was born in Sanford NC where he received his early education at WB. Wicker School. After graduation from High School he matriculated at Johnson C. Smith University and graduated in the class of 1959. He served as Private First Class in the US Army during the Korean Conflict 1953 - 1955 and was Honorably Discharged.

After serving his country, he was employed by Leonard Training School in McCain, NC. He and his family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he was employed by Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Leon Sullivan with OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center) as a Counselor. He then held a position in the Youth Development Center as a Counselor, then in Crime Prevention as a Probation Officer for the City of Philadelphia’s Juvenile Court System.

Bill was an avid tennis player. He enjoyed his time at the beach and especially our 4th of July gatherings. He was dedicated to helping improve the lives of Youth in the City of Philadelphia.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Newton;  his mother, Elizabeth Newton; his sisters, Willie Belle Newton, Christina Richardson, Elizabeth Payne, Annie Latimer, Burdette Wicker, Emma Blackshear, Carol Lee Reaford, and his cousin, Charlesena Clark.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Harris Newton; his sons, William F. Newton (Kathy), and Kenneth C. Newton (Veronica); his daughters, Penelope E. Rahman (Owen), and Cynthia D. Newton; three nephews: Anthony Richardson, Warren Raeford and Gregory Clark; four nieces, Kathy Latimer, Deborah Branch, Sylvia Lowe, and Emma White (whom he was an elder relative to all of them); ten grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and devoted friends.

  “Bill” will be remembered as a kind and loving man who was deeply devoted to his family.

Arrangement By: Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford