Wayne C. Newby, aged 93, passed away on January 5, 2026. Born on May 30, 1932, Wayne resided in Decatur, Alabama.Rev. Newby was born on May 30, 1932, in Cannon County, Tennessee. He graduated from Cannon County High School in Woodbury in 1950 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. On August 27, 1953, he married the love of his life, Ruby Davenport, beginning a marriage that would span 72 beautiful years.
In his early career, he worked as a draftsman, but over time he felt a deeper calling—one he knew came from God. Following that call, he enrolled at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he earned his Master of Divinity and prepared for a lifetime of ministry.
Ministry wasn’t just his career — it was the calling that shaped his entire life. He pastored Southern Baptist churches across Indiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky until 1989. He then continued that same spirit of care as Director of Missions for the Kentucky Baptist Association in Ballard and McCracken Counties. Even after retiring, he went on to serve briefly as a chaplain for Hospice of North Alabama.
He and Ruby made Central Baptist Church in Decatur their church home beginning in 1997. More than any degree or position, Rev. Newby treasured his family and the relationships he built in every church he served.
He also carried a deep passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, not only in his own community but around the world. His heart was especially drawn to mission work in Brazil, Trinidad, and Kenya.
Visitation will be held on January 10, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 741 Danville Road SW, Decatur, AL 35601.
A Chapel Service will follow from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the same location. Burial will proceed at Roselawn Cemetery in the Mausoleum.
