William Laurence Newton

Mr. William Laurence “Bill” Newton, 79, of North Port, FL, passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Venice Regional Bayfront Health in Venice, FL. Mr. Newton was born August 13, 1942, in Wake County, the son of the late Samuel Glennie and Lillie Ida Waddell Newton. Bill served our country in the United States Navy for four years and was based in Washington, DC. He worked as a sales executive in the home design and supplies industry for many years. Bill was a devoted Christian man, a student of the Word of God, a faithful husband, a doting father, a loving brother, and adored his three grandchildren. He was a history buff with a sharp mind, loved riding dirt motorcycles, and loved driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in his convertible with the top down. Bill always had a smile on his face, infectious laugh, and never met a stranger. The family rests and has peace knowing he has seen the Lord, whom he loved, and surrounded by family who were waiting for him at the gates of heaven. He is survived by his wife of “44 years minus one day,” Clara Jane Dobbins Newton of North Port, FL; his children, Robert Bryan Hodges, Jr. and his wife, Maria, of Lowgap and Jennifer Ann Newton Bryant of Charlotte; a son-in-law, Ken Wilmes of Saint Louis, MO; three grandchildren, Graham Landis Bryant of Charlotte, Shannon Nicole Hodges of Chapel Hill, and Josiah Hodges of Sarasota, FL; a sister, Lilly Ann Newton of Charlotte; and many nieces, nephews, military friends, church friends, and friends of the family. In addition to his parents, Mr. Newton was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharee Lynn Newton Wilmes. A private graveside service will be held at Union Cross Baptist Church Cemetery in Elkin. No formal visitation will be held. We miss and love you, Bill, and we will see you again one day! Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.