Will Newsome

Will Newsome, 63, of Newbern, Tennessee, died on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee.

Born Friday, October 6, 1961, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he was the son of the late James B. Newsome and the late Annie Laurie Shipman Newsome.

Will was a devoted historian, reenactor, Christian, and friend.  He possessed a deep passion for history and tradition. Will was a dedicated member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and took great pride in participating in historical reenactments with Higgins Battery. He was a realtor for Carousel Realty in Dyersburg, Tennessee, for over twenty years. 

Will found joy in gathering around a fire with the Old Forked Deer Boys, sharing stories, smoking cigars, and reminiscing about days gone by. His love for history extended beyond reenactments—he was an avid collector of model trains and took great pleasure in painting detailed replica figures, bringing history to life in his own unique way. In more recent years, he found his biggest joy in spending time and telling stories to his daughter who was the light of his life. 

A lifelong member of the Newbern Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Will’s faith was an important part of his life. He found immense joy in connecting with the members of the church and the Sunday potlucks he prepared dishes for. Will was also a devoted pet parent to his beloved cats, Macy and Sam, who brought him endless companionship and comfort.

Funeral services for Mr. Newsome will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Rev. Byron Forster. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Brittany Via of Farmington, Missouri, two sisters, Laura Weaver of Dyer, Tennessee and Margaret Lents (Rickey) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; five nephews, Jim Lents of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Walter Lents of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Jeff Lents (Annika) of Aurora, Colorado, John Michael Foster of Edwardsville, Illinois, and David Foster (Jessica) of Trenton, Tennessee; three great nephews and dear family friend, Tanya Sandlin of Newbern, Tennessee.

Honoring Mr. Newsome as pallbearers will be Tim Bivens, Earl Willoughby, Chris Gibbons, Walter Lents, Jim Lents, David Foster, & John Murray. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Lents, David Foster and Tom Taylor.

Will’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of sharing in his passions and stories.

The family ask that memorial contributions be directed to the Newbern Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 310 East Main Street, Newbern, Tennessee 38059.

Online condolences can be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Will Newsome.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Will Newsome, please visit our floral store.