Philip Newton

Philip “Fig” Newton, 72, was called to his eternal resting place on April 2, 2022. Philip entered this world on August 16, 1949 in Birmingham, Al to Oscar Cecil Newton and Ferne Canant Newton. He grew up in Ensley, before eventually graduating from Ensley High School. While in high school he met Ruby Ann Walker who became Ruby Walker Newton on January 2, 1967.  Philip and Ruby were married for 40 years until her unexpected death on December 11, 2007. Philip had 2 sons. Mark Reed Newton born in November, 1967, and Daniel Philip Newton born in April, 1970. Philip always supported his sons in all of their various endeavors. His fatherly wisdom still rings true today.

A Master Plumber by trade, he founded and operated Newton Plumbing for over 40 years before recently retiring. Operating on Christian principles, Philip always offered honest work at a fair price. His services were often above and beyond what was expected. He was even known to make allowances for those unable to pay his full fee. To anyone, he was always willing to offer correct, time saving advice.

Philip was currently an active member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. In the past, he served as a deacon and beloved youth counselor at Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Pleasant Grove, Al. Philip often visited different churches and Christian denominations. He appreciated the differences and similarities as they all worshiped the same, true God.

“Fig” was a competitive league pool player in Birmingham. Respected by teammates and opponents alike, he earned the right to play in many higher level tournaments. Philip had a very creative, artistic mind who developed his own style of “folk art”. He often found ways to repurpose items, or discovering new uses for items to make the job easier. Perhaps one of his greatest creations was turning an old washing machine and various parts from his garage into a trailer to pull behind his lawn mower. Philip’s greatest passion was riding high performance Harley Davidson motorcycles. He often took multi-day trips totaling thousands of miles. Philip was a retired member of the Bond-Slaves motorcycle club, and a current member in good standing of the Iron Butt Association. As a part of his motorcycle ministry, Philip helped organize a yearly ride to the Brother Bryan Mission, delivering warm clothes and hope to the residents there. Philip’s other interests during his full life included horses, corvettes, and bowling.

Philip Reed Newton was preceded in death by his parents Oscar Cecil Newton and Ferne Canant Newton, wife, Ruby Walker Newton, and brother Michael Oscar Newton. He is survived by his sons, Mark Reed Newton (Beunka) and Daniel Philip Newton (Helen); one sister, Lisa Newton Moose; grandchild, Reed Franklin Newton. Nieces Tyler Thigpen Bell, and Peyton Moose Wenzler; plus a host of grand nieces and grand nephews as well as nieces and nephews gained through his siblings marriages (Ashlee, Adam, Lisa Ann and Matt).

The family will receive friends Thursday April 7, 2022 from 600 to 800 pm at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla, Al. Funeral services will be Friday April 8,2022 at Currie-Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home on Hwy. 150 in Hoover. The family will receive friends from 1200 - 100 pm. Service will start at 100pm. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Gardens South. Philip associated with many different groups of people during his lifetime and ran in many different circles. All guests are invited to come as they are.