John Wendell Newton, 80, died December 27

Mr. John Wendell Newton, 80, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007.

His funeral was held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at Gracewood Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Eckles and the Rev. Carl Ledbetter officiating. Burial was in the Elam Baptist Church Cemetery.

The Jenkins County native was a graduate of Millen High School Class of 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a medic. He was a field supervisor with the ASCS office for several years before becoming a full time farmer in 1964, farming his family farm in the Four Points Community.

Mr. Newton was a member of Gracewood Baptist Church, where he had been a member for nearly 50 years. He was the oldest member, and had served as a deacon and former Sunday School Superintendent.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. Mr. Newton will also be remembered for his love of the outdoors, growing produce in his gardens and sharing it with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Mildred Groover Newton of Statesboro; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Walt Lamb of Statesboro and Dianne and Gil Shaw of Oakland, Calif.; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Brenda Newton of Garfield; five grandsons, Jonathan Lamb, Brett Lamb, Jordan Lamb, Matthew Newton and Bryce Lamb; a granddaughter, Nichole Newton; a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Vernon Massey of Rincon; an aunt, Elizabeth Daniel of Millen; and several cousins.

Pallbearers were grandsons and Mac Arthur Hudson. Honorary pallbearers were deacons, past and present, of Gracewood Baptist Church.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Gracewood Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2006, Statesboro, GA 30459.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home of Statesboro was in charge of arrangements.