Thomas Willard New

Thomas Willard New, 83, passed away during the early morning hours of Friday (December 16, 2016) at his residence with his family by his side after an extended battle with cancer. Willard was born on September 29, 1933 to the late James Thomas & Ettie Mae (Stewart) New.

Willard was employed by the Gulf, Mobile, and Ohio Railroad in Chicago, IL; also ARA Vending and Palace Vending in Kingsport. Willard was a master craftsman. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend; he will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Lee New; sisters, Ruby Carter, Minnie Flowers, and Shirley Cowden; and brothers, Clarence, Andrew, and Arvil New.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 44 years, Bessie (Lewis) New; daughter, Patty New Wetzel & husband Jeffrey; three sons, Ronald Thomas New & wife Kimberly, Ronnie Henson & wife Margaret, and Johnny Henson & wife Joyce; five grandchildren, Rhonda Howard, Bradley New, Jonathan Henson, Brandy N. Cox, and John William Henson; two great-grandchildren, Sydney New and Josey Mae Smith; loyal companion, “Chippy”; family friend, Smokie Ward; several nieces, nephews, and host of friends.

A Celebration of Willard’s life will be held on Tuesday (December 20, 2016) from 5-7 p.m. in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home in Kingsport, Tennessee.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Amedysis Hospice and Stacy Robinson; also to special neighbors, Terry & Doug Stamper, John Harris, and Mr. & Mrs. David White for their compassionate love and care given to Willard during his final days.

Online condolences may be made to the New family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the New family.