Franklin Lanier Newton

Franklin Lanier Newton, 81, passed away Friday, March 6, 2020 at his home in Norman Park, with Jeanne his loving wife of 61 years by his side. Born November 7, 1938 in a small log cabin, Franklin was one of eight children to David and Opal Newton. Growing up on a tobacco and peanut farm worked by mules, convinced Franklin to seek opportunities elsewhere and, in 1960, Franklin and Jeanne, along with their firstborn son Louie, moved to Atlanta. While working for Nabisco, Franklin earned a Business degree from Georgia State University. In Atlanta, Franklin's family grew with the addition of Jeff and Jennifer. After graduating, Franklin had a long career in transportation management working for both Mason Dixon and Brown Transport before starting his own trucking company. After retirement, Franklin and Jeanne moved back to Norman Park and built their home on the same farm on which he was born. Franklin embraced the values of a strong family and especially his time with his seven grandchildren Alex, Will, Michael, Hunter, Savannah, Tanner and Sophia. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, David and Opal Newton; brothers Gibson, Wayne and Tapley; and granddaughter Savannah Newton. Survivors include his wife Jeanne; sons Louie (wife Cindy) and Jeff (wife Michele) and daughter Jennifer Kimble; sisters Alice Walsh (husband Phil) and Kathy Strange (husband Ronnie) and brothers John Stephen Newton (wife Jeanne) and William "Bud" Newton. Franklin was also close to his in-laws, Jerry and Judy Wilkes and Bobby and Brenda Wilkes. The family would like to say a special thank you to the many caregivers that took loving care of Franklin, especially Lena Ponder. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday the 10th of March, 2020 at the Newton Family Cemetery on David Newton Road in Norman Park. Flowers are appreciated, however gifts in memoriam to Mt. Olive Baptist church are also welcome. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Franklin Lanier Newton, please visit our flower store.