Dwight Cotton Wesley Newman, age 69, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was born July 18, 1956, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and passed away March 7, 2026, at 10:35 p.m. Dwight will be remembered as a hard-working, selfless, thoughtful, generous, and humorous man whose steady presence and kind heart touched many lives, he will be lovingly remembered as Cotton.
Cotton graduated from Doyle High School and later retired from Nystar Zinc Mines, where his dedication and work ethic were evident throughout his years of service.
Cotton was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Newman; his father, Victor Newman; his mother, Hazel Newman; and his brother, Leroy Newman.
He is survived by his son, Peyton Wesley Newman (Makenzie Newman); his brothers, Robert (Bob) Newman (Connie Newman), Hoyt Newman (Cheryl Newman), Doug Newman (Ruth), and Troy Newman (Connie Newman); step-son, Daniel Lane; step-daughter, Carrie (Chris) Chandler; and a very special friend, Chrissy Newman.
A devoted Tennessee Vol’s fan, Cotton also gave his time and energy to helping others—especially in times of need. He assisted Gatlinburg fire victims and started Smokey Mountain Mobile Assistance, reflecting the generous and thoughtful spirit that defined him. He also loved being an Uber driver, finding joy in the everyday connections and conversations that came with the road. The light of his life, his son Peyton who was born with
Cystic Fibrosis which he devoted his life to.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff at U.T. Hospital for their care and compassion.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Condolences my be offered at www.berryhighlandsouth.com
