Terry Joe Newsom

1943 - 2025

Terry Joe Newsom, 81, of Memphis, TN entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 28, 2025. He was lovingly surrounded by his family. Joe was a native Memphian and graduated from Messick High School and Memphis State University. After graduating from Memphis State, he worked as a buyer of children's clothing for Gerber Department Stores. He eventually became the manager of Gerber's and was the youngest department store manager in Memphis at the time. The bulk of his career was spent as the CFO of Southern Leather Company in Memphis. He retired in 2008 after thirty-one years of service. He continued working as a consultant for Southern Leather until 2023. Joe was a deacon and faithful church member at Colonial Baptist Church for many years. He continued to serve faithfully in his later years at Audubon Park Baptist Church, Bellevue Baptist Church, and Germantown Baptist Church. He especially enjoyed teaching the young married Sunday School class at Audubon Park and Germantown. Joe was also known as a talented woodworker and made several beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. It was a God-given talent that brought him much joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, David H. and Alberta C. Newsom, and his brother, William D. Newsom. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara S. Newsom and his daughter, Hollye Waddell (Matthew). He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter Claire Waddell, his brother, Dan L. Newsom (Sharon) of Memphis, and many nieces and nephews who love him dearly. Services will be announced at a later date. Any memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.