Kurtis Newman, 59 of the Panther Creek Community, was called by the Master to board the Glory-Land Express, on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. His ticket was punched and handed back and read, “First-Class to Heaven,” through God’s Atoning Grace.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kim Bailey Newman; daughters Karla Currie (Randy) of Robbinsville, Katie Gomez (Josh) of Rutherfordton, N.C. and Kiley Newman, of the home; mother and father, JoAnn and Ronald Newman of Swansboro, N.C.; brother, Chet Newman (Christy) of Hubert, N.C.; sister, Samantha Martin (Marty) of Swansboro, N.C.; and granddaughters, Faith Currie and Lilly Gomez.
Kurtis worked for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad for 32 years and enjoyed the sparkle of wonder that he saw on so many children’s faces every time they boarded the train he was working on, taking special time to answer questions and provide a moment of time when needed to all his passengers on the train. Kurtis was instrumental in getting the 1702 steam engine up and running to bring “Steam of the Smokies” back into service for the railroad.
Kurtis was a Mason and a member of Robbinsville Lodge No. 672, and a member of the Stecoah Baptist Church. He loved his God and worked to influence those who met him in a Christian and loving manner. Kurtis followed the Lord and his teachings, and has influenced his family and those around him greatly through his life due to his strong Faith.
Kurtis also enjoyed his “toys,” from tractors to trains and anything mechanical in between, and loved to spend his time working on them.
But at the end of the day Kurtis truly loved his family. All the children in the family enjoyed the surprise trips with Kurtis, riding in the engine with him on the train.
A hard-working man, he always made sure that his family was cared for and had what they needed, but also made sure that there was fun, laughter and vacations to ensure that his family always came first. He went out of his way to make sure each of his girls knew how special they were and how much they meant to him. Karla, Katie and Kiley were always on his mind and he took great pride in them, taking them on father-daughter dates and just making sure they felt special. His children and grandchildren were the lights of his life.
Kurtis was always smiling and laughing and took great pride in celebrating holidays with his family, going out of his way to keep Christmas magical and full of wonder for his children and grandchildren. He even grew out his beard to really be able to portray the part of Santa Claus for all of them and made sure they had great memories of family and the magic of Christmas to cherish and hold onto.
Services were held outdoors in the field adjacent to Townson-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. The Revs. Daniel Stewart and Mike Teem officiated.
The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. and services immediately followed. Burial took place in the Jenkins Cemetery after the services. Masonic Rites were conducted by the Robbinsville Masonic Lodge No. 672.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home was honored to serve the Newman family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.