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Dennis Newman Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Gary Dennis Newman, age 62, of Knoxville, TN, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2015, in Kennesaw, GA. Dennis was a 1970 graduate of Holston High School, where he served as Student Body President. He received his Bachelor degree from the University of Tennessee; a Masters of Divinity from the Yale Divinity School, and his Doctorate of Ministry from Vanderbilt University. He also served 13 Years in the U.S. Army Reserves serving as a Chaplain. Dennis began his ministry in 1974 with the United Methodist Church, serving at various churches after that, including Kingston Springs UMC, Shallowford Road UMC, Cassidy UMC, Washington Pike UMC and Christ-Chattanooga UMC. His ministry ended in 2012 when he became ill while serving as Pastor at GraceWorks Church in Chattanooga. Upon his retirement, he continued his membership with GraceWorks. Dennis possessed a great gift of ministry that is beyond description and was deeply loved by the many congregations that he served. He was an absolutely wonderfully and uniquely-made Child of God. Dennis had a gift for bringing together the message of the Gospel to the needs of the people of his congregations. He was gifted with an incredibly-caring heart and legendary wit which allowed him to stand, be with, and lead people through all kinds of crisis. He could befriend and connect with the hearts and minds of all types of people, and was considered by his peers to be one of the best ministers in the United Methodist Church. He had a real special love for his daughter, Nikki; granddaughter, Taylor; and son-in-law, Justin.
Preceded in death by mother, Barbara Newman. Survived by daughter, Nikki Soss, and husband, Justin, whom Dennis thought of as a son; granddaughter, Taylor Soss; father, Alvin Glenn Newman; brother, Jeff Newman and wife, Jamie; nieces, Rachel Newman, Lori (Andrew) Middleton; grandnephew Conner Middleton; and grandniece, Kate Middleton; step-nephews Grayson and Jacob; "The Buddies", Jim Bailes and wife, Diane, and Lynda Sallee; mother of his daughter, Roberta Myron.
The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Washington Pike United Methodist Church followed by the funeral service at 7:00 PM, Saturday with Rev. Jim Bailes and Rev. Pat Polis officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Lewy Body Dementia Association, In Memory of Gary Dennis Newman, 912 Killian Hill SW, Lilburn, GA 30047. Family and friends will meet 10:45 AM on Sunday at Oak Grove Cemetery for an 11:00 AM interment. Arrangements are being handled by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Newman
Rose Farmer
October 10, 2024
Dennis went through a lot with me, helping me. He married me. He brought me back to church and I loved him as everyone did. Say hi to Gary for me Dennis
Shirley M Clark
October 14, 2022
He gave the most amazing sermons that touched the hearts of all who heard him. I still miss his words of wisdom and encouragement!
Lawrance Oliver Westfall
October 30, 2015
Rest in Peace Brother. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Oneda (Hughes) Coates
October 25, 2015
Dear Nikki and family,
Just learned of Dennis' passing and am saddened to hear of the loss of this special friend. He ministered to our family in a very special way during the loss of my husband and the illness and passing of my mother. He always seemed to know when to show up and the right words to say to comfort those who were hurting. Many were touched by his words of comfort at both of their funerals. He ministered especially to my daughter who lost her dad when she was only 15. In a happier time, he drove back to Kingsport to perform the marriage ceremony when I remarried in 1991. He was so proud of you! May God comfort you and give you peace.
Joy Westfall
October 22, 2015
I am so saddened by the loss of Dennis. He touched so many lives with his ministry. I will never forget his compassion for my family following the loss of my daughter. My family and I are honored to have known and loved Dennis.
M. Jane Chipser
October 18, 2015
To the Newman family, the hearts of the class of Holston Warriors 1970 are all broken to hear that Denny has left us! And, for those if us who went to Chilhowee with him, the hurt is deeper still!
He always made you laugh and smile-feel good! I can see him telling stories and entertaining the Warriors who have gone on ahead of us!
Will be keeping you in my prayers and thoughts!
Love, Mary Jane (Smiddy) Chipser
Jeanette Hearnsberger Wicker
October 18, 2015
Nikki, hugs and prayers from everyone on our group page!
Linda Lusby Wilson
October 17, 2015
Denny.....I know you will be greatly missed.....haven't had a chance to see you since our 20th reunion......I know...I will see you again.....Rest In Peace Denny.....
Shirley Clark
October 17, 2015
Dennis was an incredible minister and an inspiration to everyone who heard him speak. He was funny, he was gregarious, he was kind, and he was the best preacher I ever heard.
Paul Midas
October 17, 2015
Dennis you are in the arms of our LORD for eternity. Job well done my old friend.
Mitch and Angie Hudson
October 17, 2015
When Dennis delivered a sermon, you felt it was for you personally. He was such a blessing to so many. We feel honored to have known him.
Cindy Green Creason
October 17, 2015
Nicki
We all felt as if we new you personally. He mentioned you often, we all new how proud and how much he loved you.
Dennis had such a gift, he touch my life, and my children.
He checked on me regular after my husband died. I will never forget the kindness.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Jay Francis
October 17, 2015
Really sorry to hear of Denny's passing. He was greatly used of God in my life during the formative high school years (Young High) and early college. I will never forget tooling around with him in his red Camaro convertible, a special baptismal service at Elkmont, weekly Bible studies, and discipleship in his care. I con't know the family, but know he will be sorely missed.
Kathy Blevins
October 16, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you Nikki I know what a difficult time this is. Please rejoice in the fact that Dennis was a true gift from God that blessed everyone he touched. Rest in peace my friend
Mike Wadel
October 16, 2015
Rest in peace eternal, Brother.
Robert Gough
October 16, 2015
May God comfort Dennis' family during this trying time. However, he is free now and in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
misty Chadwick
October 16, 2015
I will always have a special place in my heart for Dennis.
Leasa McKay
October 16, 2015
Dennis was my pastor at Christ UMC. He had the unique ability to deliver a sermon that would be relatable to a diverse audience, regardless of their spiritual maturity. His messages always seared key thoughts in your mind for the following week.
He had an incredible gift of evangelism in very practical ways. His heart was deep rooted sharing God's grace with the folks who lived life in margins of society.
Have warm memories of him & know he's in God's Presence now. May his family & friends find comfort.
Mary Lou & Dick Mullins
October 16, 2015
Was so shocked and saddened to hear of Dennis's passing. We sure enjoyed hearing his inspirational and uplifting sermons the 4 years we lived in Chattanooga and were members of CUMC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Carol Ketchersid Doucette
October 16, 2015
Denny was the youth director at my daddy's church(Vestal UMC) when I was in high school ...1973-74 ish...gave me my first motor cycle ride in the Smokies on one of the youth trips. Great Guy. My condolences to his family...
John and shirley Kile
October 16, 2015
Our condolences to the family of a very special man. He was so special to us at CUMC and showed such love and compassion to all. May God grant you peace.
Angela Frost
October 16, 2015
So thankful and blessed to have known Dennis and be a member of his congregation for years! He was an amazing, gifted pastor and had such an impact on so many! Sending prayers! He will be greatly missed!
Alan & Bobbie Thompson
October 16, 2015
Our prayers for God's comfort for Niki and family during this very sad time. Dennis was pastor when we joined CUMC. He came to Murfreesboro to comfort us when we lost our grandson and our daughter was still hospitalized. A very kind and caring person loved by many and thankful we knew him,
Mary Lou Chewning
October 16, 2015
Sincere condolences to the extended Newman family. I'm grateful for Dennis' ministry to Christ UMC and to my family.
Mary Lou Chewning and family
October 16, 2015
Dennis always made me laugh. He was always "real". We have missed him for awhile now.
Edith Lester, Christ UMC
Tracy Thompson
October 16, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dennis was my pastor at CUMC in Chattanooga for many years. I loved him and learned so much for him. He was very kind in my times of loss. May God comfort you during this very sad time. Tracy Thompson (Chattanooga,TN)
Verna Dawson
October 16, 2015
We loved Dennis. Thoughts & prayers to his family. Verna Dawson & family, Christ UMC, Chattanooga.
Archer & Mary Coppedge
October 16, 2015
God Bless All the Family!!!
Praying for you!
Archer & Mary Coppedge
October 16, 2015
God Bless All the Family!!!
Praying for you!
October 16, 2015
Dear Nikki,
We extend our deepest Condolences to you and your entire family. May the love of family and strength from friends comfort you.
Love, Dory and Vince Soss and Family
Gary and Cherie Knotts
October 16, 2015
You'll be greatly missed, Dennis. Say hi to my mom, Miss Betty for me. We'll all see you again soon. love, Cherie
Debbie Pleasant
October 16, 2015
Will miss him. But know that he is with his heavenly family, probably telling a great tail!
Trish Pike
October 16, 2015
Nikki, even though I never got to know your father, I always heard wonderful things about him. My condolences,love, and prayers for you and your family.
Rose and Gary Farmer
October 16, 2015
I will miss you Dennis...RIP
Michael Rodgers
October 16, 2015
Dennis will be missed by many. I appreciated your compliments and humor during your sermons. You were truly a great pastor and friend. RIP Denny.
The Buddies
October 16, 2015
Dennis Newman, friend for life, friend for everlasting life. A witness of Christ's supportive, transforming grace in word and deed.
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