James Riley Newton

July 20, 1935 – November 23, 2020

Eupora, Mississippi

James Riley Newton, age 85, passed away on November 23, 2020 at Diversicare in Eupora, Mississippi. He was born on July 20, 1935 to the late Burnis and Estelle Horton Newton.

Mr. Newton spent his early years working in Texas and Louisiana. He moved to Greenville, Mississippi where he worked for twenty years as supervisor with the Holsum Bread Company. From there he moved to Talladega, Alabama and managed a Sonic for three years. He then moved to Eupora and opened a Sonic. He managed it for ten years. With his strong work ethic he decided to open Little P's, a pizza restaurant, and finally retired after two years. He was a big baseball fan but spent most of his years dedicating his life to his work and family. He was a member of Walthall Baptist Church.

He is survived by a brother, William Guy (Joyce) Newton of Raymond, Mississippi; three sons, Barry Newton, Ricky (Susan) Newton, and Donald "Duck" Newton; one daughter, Linda Newton (Tommy) Hitt; nine grandchildren, Daniel Newton, Aubrey Newton Hodges, Justin (Laken) Newton, Jesse Newton, Brad (Megan) Davis, Charlie Hitt, Thomas Hitt, Casey Newton, and Lacie Newton; and four great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Burnis and Estelle Horton Newton; his wife, Mary Velmer Johnson Newton; one brother, Cecil Newton; two sons, Timothy Newton and Kenny Newton; one daughter, Joyce Newton Johnson; and one grandchild, Matthew Newton.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Wise Reed Chapel. Officiating will be Brother Justin Oats. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. at Wise Reed Funeral Home. The family requests that only family members and close friends attend the services. Burial will follow at Greensboro Cemetery. Wise Reed Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.