James Helton
I am saddened about the passing of Newton. It was my privilege to meet him many years ago. I considered him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many, many friends he leaves behind. James Helton, Rossville, Ga.
Birth date: Sep 29, 1945 Death date: Jan 21, 2026
Newton Guess passed away on January 21, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama. Born on September 29, 1945, in Stevenson, Alabama, he lived all 80 years of his life on the same farm where he was born. The oldest of six children, Newton spen Read Obituary
I am saddened about the passing of Newton. It was my privilege to meet him many years ago. I considered him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many, many friends he leaves behind. James Helton, Rossville, Ga.
I was so grateful for every chance I had to spend time with Newton.
In August of 1975, Newton and I traveled to New Orleans and stayed at the newly opened Marriott on Canal Street. Late one night, a fire broke out in the hotel. I was already asleep, but Newton—who couldn’t settle because he thought someone was making noise in the hallway—woke me up.
When I opened the door, smoke poured into our room. Newton didn’t hesitate. We ran down the stairs together, floor after floor, not knowing what we would find, until we finally reached the lobby and were ushered out onto Canal Street by firefighters.
Later, when we were allowed back inside, investigators were still working just outside our room. Newton complained of indigestion, and emergency responders wanted to take him to the hospital—but in classic Newton fashion, he refused, stubborn as ever and determined to be just fine.
That night showed me exactly who Newton was: calm under pressure, brave, and completely himself. He was a gentle giant, and a better friend than anyone could ask for. I will miss him deeply.
I am not from the Stevenson area, and have not known Newton as long as most residents. However, I consider him a good friend. Like Newton, my husband, EJ, was reared on a farm and also enjoys tinkering with farm equipment and sharing memories of farm life. Angela and I are both retired school personnel and good friends, so it was always a pleasure to meet them. We learned Newton to be a good Christian home body, always supportive of his hometown and residents. He was honest, friendly, caring, knowledgeable, humorous gentleman . He worked diligently for me in the Stevenson area during my campaigns , as many Stevenson residents were not familiar with me. When calling Angela, it was always a pleasure to first carry on a friendly humorous conservation with “the man of the house”. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Angela, Katie, her husband and other family and friends. We pray good will wrap his loving arms around them, bringing peace, comfort and understanding. Heaven has gained a “goodun”. ~~EJ & Brenda Brown~~Section
Always liked Mr Guess, he was a joy to be around and could talk farming all day, he will definitely be missed, prayers for Angela Katie and family

My fondest memory of Miller was watching him do the twist during the father-daughter dance at Katie's wedding. He was so incredibly proud of his Katie. The way they lit up when the song transitioned was so memorable and lit up the room.