Individual Details

Death

Craig Nesbitt Newton, 81, of Homosassa, was called home on Wed, Feb 14, 2024, with his family by his side. Craig was born in Savannah, GA on June 18, 1942, to the late James Nesbitt and Annie Janet Newton; and is preceded in death by his infant sister and infant son, as well as his beloved wife of 54 years, Sharon. Craig was affectionately known as "Daddy," to his two daughters: Theresa Newton Furr, of Sterling, AK, and Regina Newton, of Chiefland, FL, with her fiancé, Steven Studstill. He was called "Papa" by his adopted daughter/great-granddaughter, Kyley Newton, of Homosassa; granddaughter, Shannon Lee, of Homosassa, with her husband, Justin Lee, and their children Jaden and Jax; as well as by his great-grandson, Bryce Riley, of Citrus Springs. Craig was also lovingly known as "Papa" and "Turtle" to many of his friends. Craig, a graduate of Groves High School in Savannah, proudly served as an Air National Guardsman, while moving to Homosassa in the early 1960s, where he has called Citrus County home for nearly 61 years. He formerly worked as a carpenter/journeyman at the power plant in Crystal River, in which he helped build units 1 and 2, and where he was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners Local Union 2292 of Ocala. Upon hearing the name Craig Newton, one can't help but instantly think of Newton's Well Drilling, since Craig spent the past 52 years serving residents of Citrus County and the surrounding areas. When not working, one of Craig's hobbies was tinkering with his antique cars and street rods. He was a member of the Citrus County Cruisers and enjoyed attending various car shows, as well as weekly cruise-ins, where he loved socializing, reminiscing, and listening to music from the 50s and 60s. Craig was a mild-mannered, soft-spoken man, who would often teach you the word "patience," which you understand if you ever got behind him on the road. Thus, how his nickname "turtle" came to be. Craig, an honest, hard-working, easy going, Christian man, was dedicated to both his customers and to his family. This often meant putting the needs of other's first. However, he wouldn't have had it any other way. Craig was typically a man of few words, (but we all know Sharon tended to balance that out). He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends doing simple things, such as taking trips to the mountains and watching wrestling or NASCAR. However, Craig did have a daring and adventurous side to him, and throughout the years he could be found water skiing, fishing, racing go-carts, riding roller coasters, horseback riding, dancing, and even bungee jumping alongside various family members. Craig remained young at heart and full of spirit, even as he aged. At the age of 80, while battling stage IV cancer, he even drove a racecar around the Daytona International Speedway going nearly 150 mph. During this time, Craig could also be found actively working six days a week taking care of his customers' needs. As his health failed, his faith in the Lord never wavered, and he continued to put others first, even up until his death. Unfortunately, with his passing, Craig leaves us all with an immeasurable void, but we were all fortunate to have known this hard-working and kind-hearted man. Since Craig's heart was so big, we know it was no accident, for him to be called home on Valentine's Day, as a reminder for his friends and family to always be kind and love one another. Please join us to celebrate Craig's life on Monday, Feb. 26 at the Crystal River Church of God. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m., with services beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Stage Stand Cemetery, Homosassa, where he will be laid to rest beside his eternal love.
Citrus County Chronicle, February 23, 2024