Willie Samuel Newton

Willie Samuel Newton, Jr. was born in Clarksville, Va. on June 7, 1924 to Willie Samuel and Addie Harris Newton. He passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at his home. Sam served three years in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. As a B29 Left Gunner in the Thumper Squadron, he flew 37 combat missions over the mainland of Japan. He was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Medal with three bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Citation with 2 oak leaf clusters and Air Crew member wings. Sam was a member of VFW Post 8163 and Twin Rivers Masonic Lodge # 338 AF & AM, serving in 1983 as District 28 Deputy Grand Master. He had been a Mason for over 61 years. Mr. Newton also served as a member of the Kinderton Country Club board of directors for over ten years. He was past President 3 times of the Virginia Hospital Personnel Administrators Association. Sam served as Personnel Director at Halifax Regional Hospital for 15 years, until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure he touched thousands of lives through his excellent choices in hiring the best medical personnel. He was a member of Clarksville Baptist Church. Mr. Newton was married to the former Gladys Aileen Mills for 62 years, before her death. He is survived by one daughter, Deborah Kirkham Newton and her husband, Scott Clay. His sisters-in-law, Betsy Mills, Nancy Mills and Mildred Hicks, nieces and nephews, Barbara Jean Cutts, Sammie Crumley, Joyce Womble, Phyllis Knapp, Jimmy Young, Helen Newton, Jamie Reynolds, Allyson Bartley, Sara Mayo, Daisy Hall and Shelby Talbott; great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews also survive. Also mourning his loss are his "honorary" daughters and friends, Sandy Gaskins, Phyllis Smiley, Stacey Rawlings, Bridget Hogan, Heather Nichols and Blair Seamons and "honorary" grandkids, Scooter, Wyatt, and Sam's special angel, Hailey. The family would like to extend their gratitude to "Sam's girls" – Chevon, Tanesha, and Betty, for the great love and care he received from them. Graveside services with Masonic and military rites will be 11 AM Tuesday at Gravel Hill Cemetery with the Reverend Greg Randall officiating. The family will receive friends at Clarksville Baptist Church immediately following the interment. Contributions may be made to the Mecklenburg County Life Saving and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1539, Clarksville, VA 23927.