I remember the first day Mr. McNew arrived at Gibbs.  I was a freshman and the size of our marching band was 27.  He rebuilt the band to a healthy 80+ by the end of my senior year.  We stayed in contact until his retirement.  My condolences to his mom, Helen.  never under estimate the impact you can have, Joe did that for many of us.

Mr. McNew was a great person. He made band fun.  You will be missed.

On Sunday, June the 17th I was at my home and I thought of Joe B and laughed to myself. We were friends but had not spoken in years...I smiled and wondered why he came to mind this day. I later learned of Joe's death  and I thought back to that Sunday and hoped that Joe had thoght of me too. Joe McNew was a wonderful person, a talented player, and my mentor. In my 30 plus years as a director I have been influenced by many people, but none more so than "Mr. McNew." We met when I was in high school and I thought he was absoluetly "Joe Cool." He wore a suit and sun glasses when others did not. His wit was wicked and biting and the high school students loved him for it. I remember concert festival in Knoxville and his mother came to hear the Unicoi High School Band that day. I thought at the time he looked pleased that she was there and pleased that his hard work ended in a superior rating for us. As the years pasted Joe and I worked together with many bands; including the wonderful bands he had at Morristown West High School. We often do not realize the most important people in our lives...this was not true of Joe, I know how he helped me and continues to be with me each day. I will miss him. I will think of him. I will honor him by doing my best to be a good band director.
Perry Elliott

Joe was one of my dad's favorite band students at South High School

I can say ditto to what the others have said about Joe.  We were in band together at Young High School and I have fond memories of band trips, band camp, etc.  Joe was always the same; pleasant.  I never saw him angry and I am sure he had no enemies.  He is now in God's Heavenly Band.

I will always remember your support throughout high school.  You were a great influence on my career as a teacher, and I cannot help but think back to the "good old days" whenever my current high school band performs.  I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you as a member of the Trojan band!  My condolences to your family.

Mr.McNew was one of my favorite teachers, he was a driven person who always seem to project that drive into his students. He will surely be missed.

I really enjoyed the time that we worked together. My thoughts go out to his family; condolences to all.

Mr. McNew was one of the best teachers anyone could ask for. He cared about his students and it showed in all his actions. I wish I had known sooner about his passing, I would have loved to pay my respects to a well respected man. Most of my High School memories from Gibbs have to do with Mr. McNew. I will be praying for his family through this time. Philip Wood

I just thought of another fond memory of Mr. McNew... He would always say "more or less... mostly less.." He always wanted us to strive for excellence.

Joe was a good friend during my college days at ETSU. I will fondly remember our travels together to teach various band camps. My sympathy to his family.

There were so many good memories and good stories that Helen would tell at work about Joe Jr. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to Helen and all the family.

Thank you, Joe B. You have touched many lives thru your work, and continue thru our children. (I still do 'the McNew whistle' when things get out of hand!) Peace to you - you are well-loved and remembered.

Only got to know you and your family a short time. Thanks for the pleasure.  My god bless you and your family.

Mr. McNew was my band teacher at Holston and Gibbs for 7 years.He had an incredible talent and will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Joe was both an inspiring teacher and a wonderful friend. I count him as one of the most profound influences in my life, helping me to become the person I wanted to be.  I have no doubt that he has had a similar influence on hundreds of students.  Truly he is still loved and will be missed for many years to come.

Such musical talent you had.  Sadly we missed you at our recent YHS 50 year reunion & remembrances were made of previous ones that you had attended. Peace be with you.   Wayne & Joyce Baker

Thanks for being such a wonderful
friend me and my family. You will be sadly missed.

Many fond memories of our college band days at ETSU with Mr. Large.  Rest in peace my friend.  Charlie & Susan Herron

A great favorite student of my dad when Joe was at South High School

May God grant the family and friends the peace that passes all understanding.

Thanks, Mr. McNew for your patience and guidance in the Farragut Band.  You will be remembered and missed.

A mentor and father figure to me throughout high school and beyond.  A great man who I will always remember saying.... "Days later!". I will miss you.

Mr. McNew, I was just thinking of you within the last few days and sharing some fond memories of you as our Band Director. You taught us that the details matter, to strive for excellence and you set an example to be generous with our time spent on things we loved. You were certainly generous with your time regarding all of us.  You will be remembered with humor and much respect, Sir.  Thank you for wanting to help positively influence young minds and for making your corner of the world a better place. My condolences to the family.

Thank you Joe for touching the souls of all your students. I look over the tops of my glasses at my children when they are supposed to be doing something and quote your infamous TODAY! Thank you to all of Joe's family for sharing him all these years.

I remember Joe from the era when he worked at Rush's Musical Services.  We got to know each other then and later worked together at Gibbs High/Holston Middle Schools.  We had quite a few experiences there.  Joe will be missed.

Bill Bell
Knox County Schools - Retired

Thanks Joe B. for your leadership and guidance through high school and even the college years.  You no doubt had a great impact on helping me become the person I am today.  Sincerest condolences to all family members.

You were such an influence during my teen years.  I have MANY fond memories of High School, and most were from band.  Thank you!  You will be missed.

Thank you, Joe, for helping me get through my younger years. You were a great man.  GG

OBITUARY

Joe B McNew lll

September 24, 1944 – June 17, 2012

Berry Funeral Home

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