James Ray "Jimmy" Newton

Obituary posted as a courtesy to the Newton and Mills families. Jimmy's mother, Doris Mills Blevins, is a native of Elberton. 

James Ray Newton, known as Jimmy by all those who knew and loved him, passed away peacefully after a heroic battle against a series of health issues Monday, June 26th with family at his bedside.

Jimmy was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Anderson, SC. He was devoted to his family and loved them fiercely. He believed in putting in an honest hard day’s work. While working full time he loved crafting and creating items to sell at local craft shows and festivals. He worked at SSL Americas for over 30 years until they shut their doors. Being the hard worker that he was, he immediately began working on his dream which incorporated his love and passion for good conversation, ice cream, and coffee. He opened Figs Beanery and Creamery in 2012, now known as Figs Cafe and Farmacy, a family friendly business in downtown Anderson. Jimmy was a people person, loved his employees and loved meeting and greeting all those who walked through the doors. Jimmy was a constant presence and was there faithfully until his declining health prevented him from doing so.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Anne Strawn Newton; children: Ryan, Haley and Kelly Newton; mother, Doris Newton Blevins; brother, Rev. Jacky Newton (Becki) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Chai. He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Ray Newton.

A Celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 29 at First Baptist Church, 307 S. Manning St., Anderson, with Dr. Josh Hunt, and Rev. Jacky Newton officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Jimmy’s family wants to thank his customers, many of which became faithful customers and valued friends. We want to thank his employees for carrying on the daily operation in his absence and doing an incredible job, he was very fortunate. We also wanted to thank all those who showed concern, asked about him, prayed for him, the doctors and nurses who cared for him, and all those who offered support during his illness.

In lieu of flowers; please consider a donation to the Anderson Free Clinic, P.O. Box 728, Anderson, SC 29622 or The Lot Project, PO Box 4181, Anderson, SC 29622.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.sullivanking.com.

Sullivan King Mortuary of Anderson is in charge of arrangements. 

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.