dr-terry-newsom
Dr. Terry Daniel Newsom died Sunday, Sept. 18, after a week with dear friends and precious family at his bedside. Born in Texarkana on Dec. 6, 1943, he lived the rare and exciting life of an adventurer, travelling the world again and again, including visits to Portugal, Spain, and Morocco in May. His adventures date back to his youth when, at Grandmother Alice’s knee, he dreamed he would become a doctor. She nourished that ambition, as did his parents, Davis and Myldred Newsom, who made it happen.
Music was always a major part of Terry’s multi-talented life. He was a trombone player in high school and natural pianist his entire life. He filled his home and surgery centers with the melodies of the seasons and classical masterpieces. As a member of various church choirs, Terry sang tenor beautifully in every city in which he ever lived.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Southern Methodist University, Terry obtained his Doctorate of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, holding the rank of major, he started his anesthesia practice at The Medical Center of Plano in 1979.
From 1980-1988 he served on four operating room committees and served six terms on The Medical Center of Plano Medical Executive Committee from 1983-1991. Terry was the Medical Center of Plano vice chief of staff in 1989, chief of staff in 1990, chairman of the Quality Review Committee in 1991, course director of the Anesthesia Technician Program in 1992, and on the Medical Center of Plano Board of Trustees from 1993-1994.
In addition to the many responsibilities he undertook at The Medical Center of Plano, Terry served at Baylor Richardson Medical Center as the chief of anesthesia in 1986 and 1988 and as a member of the Medical Executive Committee from 1986-1988. Terry was a member of the American Society of Anesthesia, the Texas Society of Anesthesia, the Dallas County Anesthesia Society, the American Medical Association and the Collin County Medical Society.
Perhaps his most memorable leadership position was as medical director and chair of the Physician Advisory Committee for the Surgery Center of Plano. Terry was a primary driver of quality and patient-centered care for the employees that followed him from 1994 until his passing. He will be remembered by his colleagues as a driving force of inspiration, positivity and mentorship to his surgery center and team.
Terry cherished sharing the life experience with others. He loved hosting parties and filling his home and yard with decorations every Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas for everyone to enjoy.
Terry is survived by his husband, Ross Williams of Dallas; daughter, Rachael Mozelewski of Dallas; brother, Monty Newsom and wife, Carolyn, of Mount Vernon; sister, Mary Beth Banks and husband, Joe, of Fort Worth; brother, Randy Newsom and wife, Vicki, of Dallas; nieces, Julie Crump of McKinney and Christi Dysart of Long Beach, Calif.; nephews, Michael Newsom of Midlothian, Terry Davis of Dallas, Alan Davis of Dallas, Blake Newsom of Houston, and Todd Newsom of Dallas; and numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
All are welcome to celebrate the extraordinary life of Terry Newsom at The Cathedral of Hope in Dallas at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Terry will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Sparkman-Hillcrest in Dallas.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.TJMfuneral.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition September 23, 2016.