It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Terry Eugene Newton, Sr. on February 12, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. The cause of death was complications from acute myeloma leukemia.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Faye Newton, whom he had been married to for 32 years. Also, preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Ida Mae Newton; his brothers, Billy and John Wayne Newton; and his sister, Bobbie Jewel Newton.
He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Wanda Ware Newton of Pontotoc, MS; his sister, Sharon Privett of Gautier, MS; along with his daughter, Angela Renee Smyly and son-in-law, John Smyly of Pontotoc, MS, his son, Terry E. Newton, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Vickie Newton of Greenville, MS, also four wonderful grandchildren, Emily Lal and husband Jason Lal of Brandon, MS, brothers Brian and Matthew Smyly of Pontotoc, MS; and Shelton Newton and wife Caitlyn Newton of Teasdale, MS, and four beautiful great grandchildren, Kathryn McKenzie Lal, John Raymond Newton, Gracie Newton, and Landon Newton.
Hollandale, MS, where Terry was born, raised, and spent most of his life, was the setting for his remarkable journey. During his high school years, he was an active member of the 4-H club and was chosen as the top speaker at the Convention Center in Chicago before the yearly National Future Farmers of America (4-H) meeting. His presentation focused on the growth and production process of cotton in the Delta.
He dedicated 38 years to farming and agricultural research at the USDA-ARS Southern Weed Science Laboratory in Stoneville, MS retiring in 2015 only to return as a working advisor with the final retirement a year later, throughout his tenure he received numerous awards for his expertise in farming, research, and chemical application.
During his time at the USDA-ARS, he invented a groundbreaking chemical applicator sprayer called the “carpet Bagger.” This innovative device revolutionized the application of chemicals to crops by eliminating the risk of chemical drift. The carpet bagger was designed, patterned, and subsequently sold to farmers across the nation by the federal government.
Terry and Wanda relocated to the Pontotoc community and became members of Buchanan Baptist Church in Pontotoc, MS. Before that, he was a member of the Church of God in Hollandale, MS, where he served for many years as the Sunday school superintendent, music director, and youth director. He had a passion of singing gospel music and sharing the love of God with others. Together with his wife, Wanda, he was called into the ministry and ministered to nine nursing homes a month in and around the communities of Greenville, MS.
Terry found immense joy in the great outdoors. Every season, he indulged in the thrill of hunting, while also taking great pleasure in nurturing his roses and gardening.
Terry was the true embodiment of the Salt of the Earth and lived his life as a testament of his unwavering faith, and now, he finds himself in a heavenly garden, surrounded by the beauty of God’s roses.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Buchanan Baptist Church, 4815 Friendship Rd., Pontotoc, MS 38863. Visitation will start at 11:00 AM and continue until the service begins.
The church will provide food for the family and friends in the fellowship hall afterward.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Buchanan Baptist Church building fund.
