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Tammie Diane Whitely Newby, age 66 of Toney, passed away November 8, 2024, in Athens
Alabama. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, granny and friend. Born on August 26, 1958,
in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She later moved to Toney, Alabama in early elementary school and
graduated from Sparkman High School in 1976.
Tammie married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Robert C. Newby, with whom
she shared many wonderful years of joy, laughter and adventure. Their 50th wedding
anniversary would have been celebrated on July 18th, 2025. They built a loving home together,
dedicated to serving their family and friends.
She took great pride in her career, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration in
Information Technology preceding a Masters degree of Business Administration in Information
Technology. She had 45 years of Government experience and 36 years plus in leadership roles
involving strategic and operational planning as well as information technology. She spent many
years alongside her husband, Robert C. Newby, and her son, Robert A. Newby, serving their
community through their business and passion at Fox Run Golf Course. She found great joy in
supporting the dreams and goals of her dearest husband and son through this business.
In her spare time, she found pleasure in reading books, watching the sunset, running, spending
time on the water and cooking for her family. She recently found her passion in the Neonatal
Intensive Care unit of Huntsville Hospital. She delighted in the ability to volunteer and assist in
the intensive care support. Our Granny encompassed all of the things we aspire to be. She was
kind hearted, compassionate, supportive, enthusiastic and ambitious. Tammie is survived by her
husband, Robert C. Newby; their son, Robert A. Newby and his wife Annie; granddaughters
Kennedy Newby and Klaire Newby; sister, Mary Mathis and brother, Jimmy Whitely. A
celebration of life was held on 11/11/24 for immediate family at Spry Funeral Home in Athens,
AL.
