Johnny Lee Newton, age 73

Johnny Lee Newton, age 73 of Forest City passed away Friday, March 3, 2017.

qJohnny was born on August 31, 1943 in Avondale in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Odell and Zenith Margaret Rhinehardt Newton. Johnny attended Cool Springs High School Forest City and worked as a truck driver for Overnite Transportation where he retired. He was a great lover of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a devoted husband and father and his greatest joy was in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy, Joe, and Jim Newton.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Juanita Poteat Newton, a daughter, Dawn Newton Gadd and husband Raymond of Chattanooga, TN, two sons, Russ Newton and wife Penny of Rutherfordton, Vic Newton and wife Jenny of Asheville and a sister-in-law, Madge Newton of Forest City. There are also twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was held at First Baptist Church of Forest City w/Revs Garin Hill and Dr. Barry K. Keys officiating. Interment followed in the Robertson Creek Free Will Baptist Church cemetery with graveside rites by Rev James King officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Judes for Children, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or the charity of the donors' choice.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.