Rufus "Rabbit" Taylor Newton, Jr.

Rufus Taylor “Rabbit” Newton, Jr., 84, of Roanoke Rapids, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2024, in his home.  Mr. Newton was born on December 12, 1940, in Warren County, son of the late Annie Meade Dickerson and Rufus T. Newton, Sr.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers Dennis and Victor Newton, his nephew Timmy Newton, and his niece Kimberly Newton.  He served his country as a member of the United States National Guard.

From a young age, Rabbit was an avid softball player.  He was employed with Halifax County Schools Maintenance Department for 32 years.  He was a life long farmer and the proud owner of Newton’s Meat Market.   Mr. Newton had a very strong work ethic, which he instilled in his family.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Edna J. Newton, his son Richard Newton (Stephanie) of Roanoke Rapids, his daughters Melissa Tillson (Bob) of Roanoke Rapids, Angie Isles (Bryan) of Aurelian Springs, and Wendy Newton (Ray) of Gaston, his sisters Judy Vaughan (Johnny) of Gaston, Ann Cascell of Norfolk, and Brenda Hernandez (Johnny) of Idaho; his grandchildren Brent Mason (Lauren), Brian “Scoot” Farrow, Jr. (Logan), Dylan “Dilly Dot” Farrow, Kayla “Bug” Newton (Koty), Haley “Haley Boo” Farrow (Megan), Logan “Petter Rooster” Peterson (Lily), Peyton Isles, Richard Newton, Jr., Seth Newton, Tyler Newton, Zack Hudson, Sam Donnely, and Nick Tillson; his great grandchildren Ella Farrow, Amelia Farrow, Scarlett Ward, Jax Wilson, Kennedy Davis, Chase Curving, Jordan Gilberti, Jackson Donnely, Reese Decker, Brooklyn Decker; his special nephews Bubba Pearcey, Pete Pearcey, Mitch Pearcey, and Daniel Newton; his special caregiver Ruth “Betty” Medlin; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service with Rev. Jimmy King and Walter Watts officiating.  Burial will follow at the family home.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 14, 2024, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service.  Friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.