The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
Kelly Newton, Shipley Award Winner and Devoted Family Man, Dies at 74
Newton owned and operated Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and is remembered for being positive, honest, and loving.

He was 74.
Born March 21, 1950 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Newton majored in business management at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
After graduating and returning home in 1972, he made two decisions that would shape the rest of his life.
He reconnected with the woman who became his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Hill, and he started working at the jewelry store his father, second-generation jeweler William W. Newton, had opened in Arkansas in the early 1940s.
After William’s passing in 2001, Kelly led the company until he retired in 2023 and closed the store.
Kelly said at the time that since he was going into retirement, the family decided together that it would be best just to close the business.
“It’s kind of all or none,” he said.
Newton’s Jewelers was a Jewelers of America and American Gem Society member store.
Kelly was a longtime AGS certified gemologist appraiser who served on the organization’s international board of directors and chaired the Membership Committee and the Grievance and Review Committee.
In 2019, he was awarded AGS’s highest honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award, which is presented annually to a jeweler to recognize their commitment to AGS, the industry, and their communities.
In a statement shared to the AGS Facebook page, CEO Katherine Bodoh described Kelly as a “cherished” member of the organization whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact.
“As the third-generation owner and president of Newton’s Jewelers, he exemplified the values of professionalism and service,” she wrote.
“Kelly’s legacy of commitment to AGS, the jewelry industry, and his community will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Marilyn and his daughters.”
Described in his online obituary as positive, loving, and honest, Kelly also was generous with his time and knowledge.
He always was willing to speak with National Jeweler about how business was going, even during the busiest times of the year.
When interviewed for a Holiday Sales Report published in early December 2020, the Arkansas jeweler said he was surprised how robust business was in the midst of the pandemic, a phenomenon he attributed to people spending the money they’d saved by not eating out or traveling on jewelry.
“[Customers] need something to make them or their husband or wife feel good,” he said.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoyed singing in his church’s chancel choir and the Fort Smith Chorale.
He also loved golfing, fishing with friends, and being “K-dad” to his four grandchildren.
Kelly is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughters Sara Lane (Chad), Jennifer Norman (Josh), and Lucy Lundy (Michael); grandchildren Carson Newton Lane, Lillian Elizabeth Norman, William Webb Norman, and Sara Kathryn Lane; step-grandchildren Emily and Kristopher Lundy; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Louanna and Jack Green; nephews, Kevin Newton (Lisa), Jeffrey Green (Maria), and Hayden Green; and niece Courtenay Decker (Bill).
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Zoe Wilburn Newton, and two brothers, Kyle and Kevin Newton.
Services are scheduled to take place today at 2 p.m. CST in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church, Fort Smith Chorale, or Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.
The Latest

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.


The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.