In Loving Memory of McKinley Newton Jr.
McKinley Newton Jr. passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. We were blessed to have him with us for 93 remarkable years. He shared a thoughtful, caring, and humorous love that will forever remain with all who were fortunate enough to experience his presence. He was loved immensely.
McKinley was born on “March 4, 1933, at 6:00 in the evening in Edwards, Mississippi, in the woods” to McKinley Newton Sr. and Minnie Newton. Having worked from an early age as a fearless sharecropper, he relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, at just 17 years old, where his lifelong journey of learning and skill‑building continued.
He became a skilled millwright, proficient in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical work; abilities he retained and generously shared for decades.
A man of deep faith, McKinley loved the Lord and served faithfully as a Deacon in the Baptist church. He was raised in a loving home alongside his 8 sisters: Christine Banks, Beatrice McGhee, Annie Mae Alexander, Rosetta “Aunt Doll” Anderson, Martha Strong, Dorothy Bell, Mary Newton, and Elizabeth O’Neal; and his 3 brothers: Robert Newton, Cleother “Uncle D‑D” Newton, and Walter “Uncle Billy” Newton. His siblings collectively had 39 children who lovingly cherished their “Uncle June.”
McKinley, lovingly called “Mack” by his wife, Johnnie Mae Newton, with whom he raised 11 children, was a hardworking man with a wonderful sense of humor. They were married for 30 years before separating, yet they remained close friends until her passing in 2014. Together, they were blessed with 11 children: 6 sons & 5 daughters; whom they loved deeply.
McKinley’s children, grandchildren, and their families include Fareed Muhammad Rashid Fareed II & Muhammad, Timothy M. Newton: Marcus, Kenneth & Michele Newton: Julien & Mackenzie, McKinley & Melissa “Missy” Newton III: Chanel, John K. & Cassandra, “Cassan” Newton: Keyshaun “John” & Christopher, Mark Keith & Francine “Fran” Newton: Mark, Shirley Ann “Sam” Bujas, Victoria Rae, & Louis Applewhite (deceased): Tanya; Tasha (deceased); Sharrhae; Champagne; & Brandy, Dr. Karen Vertti, Denise & Anthony Coscia: Londan, Dr. Diane Reed & Larry D. Reed: Shaun, Palmer, & Larry II
McKinley was richly blessed with not only grandchildren, but also great‑grandchildren, great‑great‑grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great‑nieces,, great‑nephews, and great‑great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 22. An additional memorial will take place in Orlando, Florida. For further information, please contact Dr. Diane Reed at [email protected].
Dad, we will hold you in our hearts until the day we can hold you in heaven. We will always love you.