Edwin B. Newton

RAEFORD - Edwin Bennett "Buddy" Newton, born July 16th 1934, peacefully passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday August 22, 2018 in his home in Puppy Creek with family by his side. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Newton and Cleva Martin Newton and sister, Mildred Newton Brisson. Survived by his wife Edith McNeill Newton and two children, daughter Cathy Newton Watts her husband Randy Watts; son Marshall McNeill Newton and wife Allison Poole Newton. Grandchildren Amy Watts Chesson, Randall Bennett Watts, Marshall McNeill Newton Jr., Mary Lawrence Newton, and one great grandchild, Hayden Saunders Chesson. Buddy grew up on the farm in the Puppy Creek community. He met and married his high school sweetheart, Edith McNeill Newton in 1953. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. A pillar of the Puppy Creek community, Buddy dedicated his life to family, agriculture and community service. He served on numerous boards including the Farm Service Association, Progressive Savings and Loans, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Puppy Creek Fire Department where he served as Chief and President of the Board of Directors for several years and a lifelong member and deacon in Galatia Presbyterian Church. Buddy was awarded Farmer of the Year in 1954 for his outstanding contributions to North Carolina Agriculture by Governor William B. Umstead. The Woodmen of the World presented Buddy the Conservation award in 1973 for his dedication to conservation through agriculture. For his many years of dedicated service to his community and the fire department, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James B. Hunt in 1995. Services are to be held at Galatia Presbyterian Church on Friday Aug. 24th with visitation beginning at 12:00 pm, followed by the service at 1:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Galatia Presbyterian Church, 8800 Galatia Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304. Online condolences may be made to www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.