Leonard Ruch Newman

Leonard R. Newman, 84, of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, passed away on August 5, 2026. He was born September 5, 1941, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Jim and Mary Newman of Jefferson City, Tennessee, where Leonard resided for most of his life.

Leonard served three years in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Following his military service, he had a long career in the telecommunications industry, working for Western Electric and AT&T before finishing his career with Lucent Technologies.

Leonard was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City, AMVETS, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary Newman, and Fonda Newman, the mother of his children.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Newman; sons, James Newman and Jonathan Newman; grandson, John Eric Newman; sister, Mary Helen White; nieces, Mary John Wilson and Jennifer Howe; and great-niece, Mary Elizabeth Wilson.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Rick and Glenda Noe and Kay Day for their Kindness and support.

There will be a Military Salute held at 8:30 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026

East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery

2200 East Governor John Sevier Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 28. 2026

Fraternal Order of Eagles 4096

500 Andrew Johnson Highway

Strawberry Plains, TN 37871