John Logan Newman

John Logan Newman, affectionately known as Johnny by his family and friends, was born on June 23, 1961, and passed away on August 4, 2026.

John was the son of the late Junior and Sue Newman of Daysville, Rockwood. He graduated from Rockwood High School in 1979, where he made many lifelong friends and treasured memories. As a teenager, he was a member of Cardiff Baptist Church.

In 1978, John began his career with Kroger in Harriman as a produce clerk. When the store relocated to Rockwood in 1980, he became an assistant produce manager. In 2005, Kroger moved to Midtown, where John worked in many different departments throughout the store and became increasingly active in the union.

John loved talking with people and never met a stranger. He enjoyed laughing with customers and coworkers alike and was known for carrying on conversations while walking customers to their cars—even if it meant taking an extra smoke break. One of his special customers and dear friends was Curtis Anderson. John had a gift for listening, and anyone who knew him knew they could always talk to him.

In the early 1980s, John became a union steward for UFCW Local 1995. During his 43-year career with Kroger, he proudly walked the picket line twice and was always willing to stand up for fellow employees, even representing non-members when they needed someone in their corner. In 2005, he was elected as one of the vice presidents of UFCW Local 1995. John was a man of strong convictions who was never afraid to speak up when he believed something was not in the best interest of the employees he represented.

While working at Kroger in the early 2000s, John also owned and operated Logan's Guitar Company on Ruritan Road in Harriman. He sold guitars, other musical instruments, and supplies while also providing repair services, earning the nickname "Roane's Rockin' Repair Man." John gave guitar lessons to many students, all of whom made him proud. He especially enjoyed teaching Chase Hamil and was particularly proud of his student C.J. Osborne and his accomplishments as a musician.

John retired from Kroger in 2021 and cherished spending time with his grandchildren. He loved taking walks, teaching them to play guitar, singing with them, and showing them how to shoot bows and arrows and safely handle firearms. He treasured the quiet moments spent with his beloved wife. One of his greatest joys was gardening, especially growing tomatoes and okra alongside his granddaughter Layla, who was truly the pride and joy of his life.

John loved reading biographies and history books and especially enjoyed Gerald Largen's articles in the Roane County News. His love of music spanned from the early Grand Ole Opry to The Beatles, and he found great joy in writing, playing, and recording his own music. In his younger years, he also enjoyed running and had the opportunity to run a marathon in Townsend in 2000.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Junior and Sue Newman; his brother, Kayo Crass; his sister, Tommy Sue Newman; and his grandson, Barrett Davis.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Tresia D. Newman; his brother, Bobby Crass (Teri) of Lafayette, Tennessee; his sister, Susan Roberts of Maryville, Tennessee; his children, Brad and Mindy Davis, Kyle and Allison Davis, and Sara and Will McCluen; his grandchildren, Isaac Davis, Caleb and Sarah Davis, Cruz Davis, Zoe Davis, Layla and Molly McCluen; and his great-grandson, Winston Davis. Six nieces and nephews and a host of extended family friends and members of the community.

John will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering principles, love of music, dedication to his family and friends, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 20th, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood, TN. A celebration of life service will follow in the chapel. Cremation arrangements have been made and a private interment will be held at a later date. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. John Logan Newman.