Philip Clayton Townsend Newton was born May 6, 1927, in Miami, FL, to a mother from Georgia and a father from North Carolina, Eloise Townsend and George David Newton. He died on January 14, 2026, in Nahunta, GA, at the age of 98.

He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia in 1951. His leadership abilities brought him many opportunities over a lifetime in executive positions. He moved his family to Brunswick, GA, in 1955 to work as Treasurer at Dixie Paint and Varnish Company, eventually rising to Vice President and General Manager (1971-1981). The company was acquired by The O'Brien Corporation, and in 1981 he moved to the international headquarters in South San Francisco, CA, and was promoted to Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Seeing the need for an insurance company to serve O'Brien's interests, he helped to form the Hawaii Insurance Company, the first captive insurance company chartered by the State of Hawaii, and he served as its President until he retired from O'Brien in 1989. During his career, he also served the National Paint and Varnish Company, based in Washington, D.C., as chairman of various committees. He was a veteran, having served in the Army (1947-1949) as a Private First Class.

A long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Brunswick, he taught Sunday School for over fifty years and was elected deacon-for-life. While living in Brunswick, he held a number of civic leadership posts. He served as chairman and a board member of the Glynn County Board of Education for over a decade. He served as campaign chairman and a board member of the United Way. He was a trustee of the YWCA and worked on committees related to the construction of its new facilities. He served on the board of directors for the Salvation Army and the First National Bank of Brunswick.

Predeceased by his wife, Patricia Preston Newton, in 2019, after a nearly 69-year marriage, he is survived by three sons: Philip, Preston (Lynn), and Patrick (Lisa). Also surviving are grandchildren Hank Newton, Catherine Gore (Will), Alexandra McNeal (Clint), great-grandchildren (Waylon, Blair and George). A graveside service and interment will take place at a later date at Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville, GA. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory are invited to support those non-profit organizations he served or a charity of your choice.

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.