“I cannot believe we have to say goodbye…. If you have ever been to a Cornerstone service or watched online in the last 10+ years, you would have witnessed the dedication and expertise of this man. Chris was my right hand in producing the services every Sunday, he was the first in and the last to leave. Chris treated every service like he knew the Lord would be attending, always making sure that everything was as perfect as could be. He would let me know of any issues he found or if something wasn’t right and most of the time would take care of it before he ever said anything. Countless times Chris would fix or replace broken items in the church and do so out of his own pocket, when I would try to reimburse him he would never accept it. I will truly miss all of his quirks, how he would signal me with his hands to start a video or signal to Pastor that his Bible verse was coming up on the screen, it puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. The dedication Chris had to everything he did in life was unmatched, it didn’t matter if it was fixing a computer, changing a light bulb, making sure the chairs were straight, double checking Pastor’s powerpoint and Bible verses for the service or simply playing with my kids as they waited for us to leave. We all lost something big and it will show how big over time. As I was making the memorial video and slides for his service I could not help but think that Chris would have done it better, he would have made it his way. I just could not believe I was making this for the person that always did this for everyone else, it just doesn’t seem right. I have so much regret over this past year and not having spent much time with him, Covid has robbed us of so much, it has taken away opportunities to spend time with those we love because of fear. I never got to say the things to Chris that I would have like to said, I did tell him often that I appreciated all he did. He will be deeply missed. 

While I was not able to travel to Knoxville to pay my respect to your brothers, you have been on my mind all day. Today is your birthday. The first in almost 20yrs that we haven't spoken. Instead I have recalled memories off and on throughout the day. I am fortunate that most of our lengthy conversations were through email, or various written messages through whichever instant messaging app was popular at the time. I am fortunate because I still have a lot of those in my "archives". When I need some sound advice or a funny quote or just miss my friend, I can reread these. Some of my fondest memories weren't conversations though, they were shared experiences. While we share our summer Camp experiences with many, the oddities of working at Camp in the off season isn't something many people get to appreciate. We certainly did. Off season is when all the things no one really wants to do get done. The things most people never even wonder about, they only see the results of. Like stuffing 5 million envelopes for the Child to Camp fundraiser, making videos and brochures for all the church visits and my personal favorite, planting the Camp garden. You are the only person I have ever known to punch the soil to make a hole to plant a seed! As we grew older our friendship grew along with us. Somehow through my college years you were always up for a chat at the oddest hours, proofed papers for me and talked through my problems, even the one you caused (I was getting to the final paragraphs of the paper I had been writing all night when my screen goes black. I, of course, go into full blown panic. Little did I know that my mischievous friend had remote accessed my computer and just turned the screen black). I will treasure these memories as well as our friendship forever. I look forward to the day when we can chat again and you can tell me off all the projects you have been working on in Heaven! I love you and miss you my friend!

God called Chris home, and the world is certainly a lesser place without him.
Of all the wonderful characteristics Chris had, the one that will always stand out to us is faithfulness.  Chris was always faithful and loyal, always there.
The way he loved and supported our family and the church over the years was nothing short of remarkable.  Through all seasons of change and comings and goings of people - Chris was there, steadfast, and always with a servant’s heart.  It was a comfort to know that Chris was around to help and support the church and the family, that he could always be relied on, a quality in short supply in the world today.  It was truly a gift Chris had.  We will miss him, his kind heart and his faithfulness.  God Bless you Chris.  We will see you again my friend…
With Love,
Dominick and Anastasia

We were so disheartened to hear the news about losing our brother Chris Newman. We still can't believe he is gone. Chris was the type of guy who would help anyone at the drop of a hat. Chris was a go to for so many of us whenever a tech issue came up. I can recall multiple times when Chris would fix or repair a computer problem for someone. Not only would he not charge them, but he would use his own resources to upgrade and make it better than the original. Chris literally ran himself ragged helping others. Honestly one of the most selfless people we have ever known. Although we are sad that he is gone, We are happy that he is no longer suffering and now in the company of so many who love him. We love you brother, and we hope you are resting in peace. 
                                                                           Love, Phillip & Missy Avello


 I am grieving the loss of one of my spiritual sons, Chris Newman. Chris went on to be with the Lord but needless to say I am devastated and heartbroken. He was like one of my own sons to me and I will  miss him dearly.  He had perhaps the greatest servants heart that I have ever seen in a young man. I love you Chris, I always will.....Pastor


I have been thinking over the last few days about my brother Chris Newman  - he has stepped into the presence of the Lord & he heard the words, “WELL DONE THY GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT” - there have been so many amazing tributes  posted in the last  few days about him and every word of every tribute is true!  I have never met anybody quite like him he really understood the scripture in Matthew 6:20 about “laying up your treasures in heaven where moth &  rust do not corrupt.￼” he had such an amazing gift of serving just like everybody’s pointed out but the thing was he saw areas to serve before people asked, he could see the need and that was a gift from the Lord! ￼He lived Proverbs 17:17 - a true friend & brother through all seasons in your life. Today I hear the words from the song “If you could see me now.   
Till we meet again my friend & walk heaven’s streets together ❤️❤️


I can’t even begin to say all the nice things about this young man that went home to the Lord yesterday. Chris Newman came into our lives some 14 years ago.  He visited our church one night when we were still meeting in the Spring Hill gym, and never left. All these years he was such a quiet, yet humble man who would do anything, and I do mean ANYTHING, to help people out. I could tell you stories!!!  He was a major help and great friend to all, in building the Kingdom of God at Cornerstone. My heart is so broken that we have lost him at such a young age, but my spirit is comforted to know that he is no longer suffering with the physical health challenges he has had the past years. I do wish we could have held his hand and said goodbye in his last moments. But just like he lived his life, when Jesus called him home, he said “Sure, I’ll do that!”, and quietly slipped away. You have left a big pair of shoes Chris, that no one will be able to fill. Chris Newman, the humble servant of God, you are greatly missed, and personally, I loved you dearly! ❤️
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:11‬ ‭

Chris was many things to many people.  To our family, he was a constant.  He was someone that we could always count on and sometimes take for granted.  Chris was always a listening ear and a problem solver.  To say he was a helper and a servant doesn’t seem to be enough, because he was so much more than that.  Our hearts are broken because we just didn’t have enough time… isn’t that how life is though, we always think we have more time, and we always seem to stay so busy.

Chris was always teaching us something - he was a youth leader to our kids, and a friend to everyone he met.

Even in his passing, he taught me this … Always take the time to tell people how you feel about them while they are present to hear it.

We love you Chris and we miss you.  We look forward to the day when we are all together again!  Thank you for everything!  You were the one who always went the extra mile and we know you are reaping your heavenly rewards today.

Love the Lanford Family 

﻿
CHRIS WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM, I HAVE KNOWN HIM FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HIS SERVANTS HEART WAS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD NOTICE ABOUT HIM. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TIMES HE SPENT HANGING OUT WITH MY FAMILY ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS. THE TIMES HE HUNG OUT WITH MY KIDS AND MENTORED THEM. ANYTIME I NEEDED A HAND HE WAS ALWAYS THERE, WHETHER IT WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE OR HELPING ME MOVE. HE WAS A TREASURED SOUL THAT REALLY MADE AN IMPACT ON ALL WHO KNEW HIM. 


Chris Newman was the purest definition of a humble servant. Trying to remember everything about Chris and what he meant to me, it is impossible to think of memories where he was not giving of himself… whether it was time, talents, energy, advice, technical skills, or answers to many of my techie questions. Chris never expected anything in return, and I am afraid not many people acknowledged how much he truly gave of himself and what sacrifices he made. One of the assurances I have is that his reward in heaven is probably massive because of how much he served, and did so, unconditionally. I can only imagine the love he must be experiencing in the arms of the Father right now and the repetitive affectionate phrases of, “You did good, my son! Well done!”

Chris was not only a servant by nature, he was also incredibly funny and witty. An introvert at heart, not many people got to see that side of him. I had the privilege and pleasure to get to know him a little more and to see that side of him the last 18 months. We frequently planned online game time and gathered to play various games like Among us, and other multiplayer trivia games. I believe he felt the most “himself” sitting behind a computer screen… as an introvert myself, I can relate. So that’s what allowed him to be open and reveal his funny side. It was quite a memorable, fun experience to see that side of him.

Chris, you are sorely missed and will continue to be in our thoughts and memories. To the good times and bad, I was honored to know you and to be positively impacted by you. May you Rest In Peace in the loving arms of the Father. Now the only job you have is to keep on praising and worshiping our Lord and Savior! 

I can already hear Chris saying, “I’m on it…”

I wanted to share something that happened with Chris and I that he asked
that I not share with anyone at the time.
However now seems like the perfect time!

As you know about two years ago last month I started a new job.
At the time I was under the "Affordable Care Act" for my medical supplies.
Insulin at that time costs about $375 a bottle and I was somewhere in
between a bottle and a half per month.

The medical coverage with the new employer required 6 months of service to
qualify.
As I was coming up to that time period it was becoming impossible for me to
afford insulin.
I believe it was a Sunday morning and I casually mentioned how I was several
weeks/months from qualifying for medical coverage at my job in a
conversation that Chris was part of.

Chris said to me "I have more insulin than I need and he would be glad to
give me whatever I needed"
I was blessed and was so thankful at that time. I offered to come pick it up
as I believe he was living in Antioch and I knew that would be a long trip
for him. He said "no don't do that I'm already on the way to your house"

Well as Chris would always do he acted quickly!

He came to our house and gave me several boxed of insulin pens!
More than I could have ever imagined.

He literally saved my life!
I offered to pay him and to replenish the supply once I was received my
medical coverage, but he refused.

As a point of reference not having insulin as a diabetic is like a death
sentence.
Our bodies have to have insulin, otherwise the food we eat has no way to
feed the cells of body in order to sustain life.

As well as being eternally grateful for Chris I would say that he is one of
the most servant oriented people I've ever known.
Most of all I observed him give in so many ways, always as the "undercover"
angel.

I witnessed birthday parties, Christmas celebrations and the like where he
went way beyond the suggested gift amount in  order to bless!

Chris Newman was one of a kind and in my mind.

I remember Chris as that gentle giant. He was so very quiet  but always doing something; helping with set up, clean up and working the sound booth. I remember no job was too small, one service was very moving and Chris went to find tissues for me. Such a sweet young man. We are so sad for us as a church family but because of Jesus we know we will see him again.

Zueseline Peretic

Hi Joyce,

This is from David and I.
Chris was one in a million and didn't even realize it.  He had a quiet unassuming nature  and never wanted any fuss or attention brought to himself although he deserved it.  He was always helpful and spot on with any instructions given to him whether it was helping with a teaching on Sunday   or a Harp and Bowl setting.  The scripture which says the first shall be last and the last shall be first so fits Chris.  He will be one of the All Stars in Heaven and we look forward to seeing him again and being able to really get to know him.  Heaven is richer for sure since he is home.

Taylor says Chris is the Lord's Man. 

For many years Chris was a consent presence in my life. He was a good friend who was always available to lend a helping hand with the kids. As a single mom, I had to do everything alone . I was always in church or youth group and Chris would hold doors, carry bags and even screaming children if he had too. He would give me and all of my friends a break so we could sit and hang out and he would make sure the kids were safe. Chris came to my rescue on more then one occasion to help my children with homework or computers since I was terrible at Technology. I am forever grateful for all of his help and hope he knew that we loved him.
Melissa

﻿Chris you were one of my best friends at cornerstone. Thank you so much for always being there for everyone,  I love our conversations about star wars , music , God and so much more . When I needed a Hand with something you were always first to help out. I wouldn't be where I am without you today. Thank you Chris, we love you
Love Dylan

My Tribute for Chris....
When I think of Chris a few things come to mind.  He’s one of the smartest people I know hands down for sure. And so very funny! If you needed help or someone to serve or fill in just about any gap there may be, he stepped up to the plate every time.  During my Tennessee visits, he was always in the sound booth or behind a camera.  One of the things I admired most was his gentle way with children.    He would get down on their level to speak and play with them. His care for them was more than obvious.  Such a strong man of God, but gentle as a lamb. He found his family at Cornerstone.  A loyal, faithful man, kind and gentle lover of the Lord…. That’s the Chris I know. You will be missed, Chris Newman.

 Chris, you were one of the best people I have ever known. You were kind, always willing to help, and did everything you could to make the lives of those around you better. I don’t want to write too much, but Chris was like a second father figure to me. When I was in middle school, going to The Spark Youth Group was one of the highlights of my week. After school, Isaac and I (and sometimes my friend M’kel) would walk to the church and hang out in the building until the youth group started. Uncle Chris would plan out our night with games and at the end would teach us valuable Christian lessons that we could easily digest as middle schoolers. Chris ran the youth group program almost completely by himself. He cared for us so deeply that he would spend much of his free time planning youth group activities for a bunch of dumb middle schoolers. You had so much patience with us when we wouldn’t listen. You could have ended the youth group program whenever you wanted to, but you kept it alive. You were dedicated to giving us a fun night and teaching us about the character of Jesus Christ and how to live as Christians. Looking back at your commitment now, it gives me even more respect for you. You loved us so much. Since we would walk to youth group, Chris would drive us home. Before dropping us off at home, he would take us to get fast food for dinner. Although it may not seem like much, this made me so happy. I always felt a little bad because I felt that I would order too much food, but Chris didn’t mind. He would always say “Get whatever you want”. This was so amazing for me because I wasn’t used to getting whatever I wanted from fast food places. Chris provided a safe environment for me, somewhere that I could stop worrying about everything going on in my life and enjoy the company of my good friends for 3 hours. The way Chris carried himself inspired me to be more like him. He had such a peaceful and playful demeanor with me and Isaac. I loved Chris. 

“When one of God’s holy lovers dies, it is costly to the Lord, touching his heart. Lord, because I am your loving servant, you have broken open my life and freed me from my chains.”
‭‭psalm 116:15-17
Dearest Cornerstone Family, Our hearts are so saddened at the loss of such a precious-brother in  the Lord. Chris was an incredible servant of the Lord who gave continually of the gifts he possessed for the good of the body of Christ. His gentleness was an outstanding characteristic of his that made him so dear and approachable. Very much what I believe the Lord himself is like. Pastor Dom and Joyce and all of you who worked with him all of  these years, we ache for your loss. May the God of all comfort, comfort you and hold you close. What a legacy has been left to us all of what it means to love the Lord our God with all of heart, soul strength and mind.Your passing Chris  is costly to the Lord touching His very heart.

 With all of our Love and prayers,          
 Lonna and Rick Pizarro

Since hearing of Chris' passing, these few words from the song "No Scars in Heaven" by Casting Crowns keeps going through my head. 

This week so many memories about him have surfaced. As I have read the sincere and loving tributes on social media from everyone, it seems we all shared the observation of what a kind, considerate and servant's heart he had, his brilliant understanding of technology, and his love and concern for everyone around him, regardless of age, especially the youth.  

No matter where he was, Chris was a "watchman". He would watch and anticipate someone's need. Intuitively he knew what was needed to love and serve others. 

When I would come and visit Tennessee during the time he lived with Georgia and Jesus, I would observe how he would make sure the animals had food and water. Many times he would bring to the house needed groceries or similar items, often without being asked. 

One of my fondest memories was when Chris would make his version of spaghetti and meat sauce. He would somehow make it all in one pot and it was always tasty. Maybe this afternoon as a tribute to him we should all eat spaghetti and meat sauce. 

Other things I remember from my visits was when he would be up late at night, taking care of the IT matters for his work, as their contact for countries whose business hours were definitely not the same as Middle Tennessee.
 
Personally, when I would come to share at Cornerstone (in the pre-Covid days) inevitably I would run into an issue getting my notes printed, and he would graciously  help sync my computer to the printer. 

I am suspecting that new technology is about to be released to earth and in some way Chris will be a part of the great cloud of witnesses who partner with angels, who at the Lord's directive play, a role in releasing that new technology on earth. 

Chris was a man with a huge loving heart, a hero, and gone WAY TOO SOON. Until we meet again... 




I was never gifted with a natural talent for expressing my emotions and thoughts through words well, but I know in my heart that if I don't express myself I will never know peace. Chris Newman was an incredible person. He was kind-hearted and so caring. When my older brothers and I attended the youth group at Cornerstone, he would always offer us a ride home and pay for our dinner without fail, every Wednesday night. It was during a difficult financial time in our lives, and we were so young that only upon reflection can I look back and just be so thankful for how kind he was to us. He was an amazing God-honoring man and may he rest peacefully with the Lord.



Chris, to me, was one of the most humblest and good hearted person I knew.  He wasn't a charmer or the coolest guy on the block but he was the very image of a good person, a caring person that really appreciated people.  I'm going to miss Chris as if he were a true brother.  There wasn't anything fake about him and I think that was one of his best qualities.  He certainly was a genius, especially with computers.  He always made it look so easy and then he would walk away leaving you to think, how did he do that??  I don't know how many times he helped me and my family out and would drop what he was doing to come over and help us with one thing or another.  I'm going to miss him and I thank God for him and the time we spent together.  May you rest in peace my brother.

Love Alex

Chris was a special person who cared for people.  He was a faithful servant of the Lord. He loved his family, his Cornerstone family and his friends deeply.  He was always there when you needed him and he was selfless. He always put others first and himself last.  I'll remember his laugh, his mischievous nature especially at our Christmas Eve parties.  You would see it in our gift exchange and his gift was always unique and unexpected.  Of course, we would all fight for it afterwards because it would also be the best.  But that was Chris, always giving and kind and thinking of others.  My family and I will miss him dearly and I for one will always try to picture him in Heaven with Jesus, whole, healthy and finally very happy.  Love you Chris - RIP

Love Ana

Never in a million years did I expect to hear the news that you are no longer here with us, Chris. Erin and I are broken-hearted, my friend. I will forever miss your kind spirit, big heart, wittiness, and incredible sense of humor. Thank you for letting us be a small part of your journey here on earth, and for letting us into your circle of trust, if only for a little while. I will also forever cherish all of the Sundays at service where we got to fellowship with you, as well as all of the times online that we got to share with you this last year and a half. You made those evenings so much fun with your “pink sus” and “get to the choppa”, as well as all of your voice effects and back and forth banter with Sharon. You two would have made a fantastic comedy team, as you always had us in stitches. I want you to know that I am extremely grateful and appreciative for all of your years of selfless sacrifice and service to help not only us, but anyone with whatever was needed. I know that you seldom were acknowledged by others for your many contributions, but you were an incredibly important and loved member of our Cornerstone Church family. I believe that Jesus was talking about you in Matthew 23:11-12 when He said:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. I remember during Sunday morning rehearsals for Worship service, I would often see you singing along behind the sound booth. Little did I know at the time that you had a beautiful voice. It’s indicative of your humble and reserved personality that you never shared this with us, and fortunate for you because I would have dragged you up there to lead service with us. 😂Though we find it hard to accept that you’re gone and wish you were here still, we rejoice in the fact that you are now free of pain and strife, standing healthy in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Chris Newman or aka "Newman" came into our lives about 14 years ago and we are so grateful that he did! I became the annoying sister Newman probably never asked for and he was like a brother in Christ to Chris. The three of us all worked in technology and the Chris' (Newman and Osborn) would talk shop at parties and after church and I would try and chime in. We all shared a love of technology and wanting to learn new things. We would often share our tech woes with one another and have a great laugh. Newman was always there, a faithful friend and brother in the Lord. Like it says in Proverbs 18:24, "... But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." That was Newman to us and so many others. He stuck with you like super glue. I'm sure the main theme that you will hear and have already heard today is how helpful, dependable and faithful Newman was… If you said the words, “Newman, I could use some help." Before you could finish your sentence he was already making preparations to help out and be there no matter what. Even if he didn't feel good or was busy with work he would make a way. I’m pretty sure he didn't know the word "No." If we wrote a list of all times he came through for us it would be too long …  But to name just a couple of examples of his selflessness he would help with work issues,  moving,  he was a tutor to me in school, he loaned us computer parts when we were in a jam and many many other things. He would give great advice and was very smart. He was like a walking google and pretty much knew the answer to most questions or would be the first to find it... When I think about it I'm not quite sure what he gained out of our friendship because when I make the list it sure seemed one-sided. But that was Newman, that's how he was. You couldn't out give him he wouldn't allow it. He was the guy you counted on and that's what he wanted to be. He never asked for anything in return or to be paid back in any way. He was a remarkable individual. 

I had known Chris as a child and watched him grow into a loving and caring young man. Heartbroken that he has passed away. 

Rip baby, you are and were loved, we will miss your beautiful smile


I'm so sorry to hear this. Chris was a wonderful person, and will be missed.

Chris rode my school bus way back in the day he was such a mature child for his age, never one minute of trouble from Chris. We also went to church together, I looked up one Sunday and there was Chris running the sound system. Chris also worked for Yoke he just went right in and made his place. I was very shocked to hear of his passing but I know God needed him for one of his talents. Love you Chris you are a good and faithful servant.

I  went to high school with Chris. He was a good friend and a great person. Prayers for his family and friends. 🙏❤️

OBITUARY

Christopher Lee Newman

3 December, 1982 – 15 November, 2021

Berry Funeral Home

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