William Frank Newton

William Frank Newton passed away on October 20, 2015 at his home in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He was born in Washington, DC on April 28, 1941. A legend in the Community Development field, his company, WFN, Inc., managed U.S. Housing & Urban Development (HUD) grant portfolios in Georgia for Cobb and Gwinnett Counties since the 1980’s. Frank was instrumental in forming public/private partnerships and strengthening social infrastructures in both counties. On the national level, he frequently lobbied on behalf of his county clients on Capitol Hill to secure additional grant funding. His encyclopedic knowledge of how Congress worked was without peer. Frank was a visionary who saw the need for Community Development practitioners across the country to form an organization to give them a voice in Washington. This resulted in the formation of the National Association of County Community and Economic Development (NACCED) which today represents the interests of those working with HUD at the county level. A graduate of both the University of Florida (B.S.) and the University of Georgia (M.P.A.), Frank was a political appointee in President Jimmy Carter’s administration as the Southeast Regional Director for FEMA. Upon leaving President Carter’s administration, he opened his own consulting practice in Atlanta, Georgia in 1981. Frank’s infectious warm smile, wry sense of humor, and positive attitude left a lasting impression on all who met him. Frank was a beloved father, PawPaw, brother, and friend, and was loved by many. He is survived by his four sons, Ricky Newton of Atlanta, GA, Tad Newton of Buford, GA, Louis Newton of Atlanta, GA, Frankie Newton of Lincolnton, NC; brother, John Newton of Cumming, GA; three sisters, JoAnne Gilroy, Arlene Newton, Jeanie Smith all of Cumming, GA; twelve grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his oldest and dearest friend, H. Oliver Welch. There will be a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Frank to your favorite charity. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

William Frank Newton

April 28, 1941 - October 20, 2015