Thomas Ashby Newby

Thomas Ashby Newby

Thomas Ashby Newby, 95, of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010. Son of the late Thomas Edward Newby and Otey Barden Newby, he was a native of Amelia County, born June 8, 1915.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Ripley Newby.

He is survived by three children, Thomas A. Newby Jr. and his wife, Charlotte, Judith N. Kerr and S. Kent Newby and his wife, Elizabeth; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

His family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at Bliley's - Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Road. A graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, at Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Amelia.

Mr. Newby attended Virginia Mechanics Institute in Richmond and Richmond Professional Institute and the University of Richmond. He began his career at VDOT in 1935 as an engineering aide. He worked his way up through various positions, serving as safety engineer, purchasing agent from 1958 to 1978 before retiring as Director of Administration in 1980. He served as past President of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Chapter of the Risk Insurance Management Society and the State Credit Union. During World War II, he served in Iceland and the European Theatre as a Captain in the Corp of Engineers 80th Division, retiring as a Lt. Col. from the Army Reserve. He was a charter member of Bon Air Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher.

The children wish to express their deepest appreciation and love to the Bon Air neighbors and friends, the Bon Air Baptist Church community and the employees at VDOT for enriching the lives of their parents and their own families for over 50 years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Road, Richmond, VA 23235, or the Alzheimer's Association, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060.