Palmer Newton

Palmer Newton, age 84, went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, November 22, 2014, after a brief illness. Palmer was born on February 19, 1930 in Savannah, Georgia. He was the youngest child of the late Thomas Marion and Elizabeth Ann (Loney) Newton. Palmer grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and attended Sealey Elementary and Leon High School. His strong desire to serve his country at the young age of sixteen took him to Korea, though he was underage, serving two years in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, having attained the rank of Master Sergeant, Palmer was able to attend the University of Florida on the GI bill and graduated with a degree in Forestry. He continued his military service for years as an active member of the Army National Guard. After meeting Marilyn Brinkley, the love of his life, on a blind date on July 4, 1948, they were married on December 29, 1950 at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee. Palmer’s strong work ethic and desire to provide for his family began at the age of five when his father died. He began to sell boiled peanuts and newspapers in downtown Tallahassee after school and on the weekends and continued to work and excel at every opportunity given him growing up. After college graduation, Palmer began his career with the National Forest Service and was then hired by the Tallahassee Fire Department. After several years with the TFD, Palmer began his lifelong career with the Tallahassee Police Department as their first college graduate to be hired. During his years at the TPD, he served in many different capacities, including crime scene photographer, TAC team and after twenty five years of dedicated public service, he retired as the Director of Personnel and Training. Palmer was a founding member of the TPD Pistol Team and was an expert marksman. He was invited to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia several times and was trained in Breathalyzer, Identification and attended their specialized bomb school. After retirement, Palmer immediately began working at the Law Enforcement Academy (now known as the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy) teaching firearms and was instrumental in designing the academy’s shooting range. After his second retirement from the Law Enforcement Academy, Palmer and Marilyn enjoyed traveling and spending time on their farm in Faceville, Georgia. The farm provided a wonderful gathering place for their family and for Palmer to pass on his love of the outdoors and God’s beautiful creation to his grandchildren who lovingly called him “GaGa”. He taught them about farming, growing fruit trees, timber, hunting, fishing and shooting. Palmer was a founding member of Northside Baptist Church, which became Canopy Roads Baptist Church and was currently a faithful member of East Hill Baptist Church. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Northside and remained an active member throughout his lifetime. Palmer was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman and his unwavering care and love for his family and his faith will live on through his precious legacy. Palmer was predeceased by his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Marilyn Brinkley Newton. He is survived by his loving daughters, Pamela Wade (and husband Kenny) and Nancy Ferguson (and husband Bill); six grandchildren, James Wade (and wife Beka), Joseph Wade (and wife Melissa), Elizabeth Wade Doster (and husband John), Jennifer Ferguson McFarland (and husband Doug), William Ferguson (and wife Caroline) and Andrew Ferguson (and wife Karly); and eight great-grandchildren, Scott Newton McFarland, Emma Ellen McFarland, Jack Major McFarland, Marilyn Grace McFarland, William Cooper Ferguson, Mercer Kate Ferguson, Brinkley Lewis Ferguson and Kenneth (Kent) James Wade, III. Palmer is also survived by his brother, Dewey Newton and was predeceased by his brother, Buck Newton, and sisters, Edna and Ethel. He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. A funeral service celebrating Palmer’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 11 a.m. at East Hill Baptist Church, 912 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, Florida. The family will receive friends an hour before the service from 10-11 a.m. downstairs in East Hill Baptist’s Fellowship Hall. Burial will follow the service at Roselawn Cemetery with the Tallahassee Police Department Color Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Christian School, 4859 Kerry Forest Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32309 or East Hill Baptist Church, 912 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com or 850-385-2193) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Palmer Newton

February 19, 1930 - November 22, 2014