NAHUNTA — Philip Clayton Townsend Newton died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Nahunta at the age of 98.
Newton was born May 6, 1927, in Miami, Fla., to a mother from Georgia and a father from North Caro lina, Eloise Townsend and George David Newton.
Newton 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.
Newton moved his family to Brunswick in 1955 to work as Treasurer at Dixie Paint and Varnish Company, eventually rising to Vice President and General Manager (1971-81). The company was acquired by The O’Brien Corporation, and in 1981 he moved to the international headquarters in South San Francisco, Cal., and was promoted to vice president, secretary and treasurer.
Seeing the need for an insurance company to serve O’Brien’s interests, Newton helped to form the Hawaii Insurance Company, the first captive insurance company chartered by the State of Hawaii. He served as its president until he retired from O’Brien in 1989.
During his career, Newton 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 (194749) as a Private First Class.
A long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Brunswick, Newton taught Sunday School for over 50 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
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