John Colby

John Wilson Colby, Jr., 77 of Tappahannock, Virginia, passed into the arms of Jesus on May 30th, 2023 at Dockside Health and Rehab Center after a long illness. John was born in Ithaca, New York on May 27, 1946; son of John Wilson Colby, Sr., and Geraldine (Choate) Colby.

John received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of the South, his Master’s in Social Science from the University of Mississippi, and his Master’s of Business Administration from Jackson University. He also took several courses towards his PhD. John worked as a teacher and coach in Duval county in Jacksonville, Florida; Administrator and Headmaster at Southampton Academy in Courtland, Virginia. He was a coach, teacher, and administrator at Christ Church School in Middlesex County, Virginia. He was also the headmaster at Aylett Country Day School in Millers Tavern, Virginia; Headmaster at James F. Byrnes Academy in Quinby, South Carolina; and also served as Headmaster at Patrick Henry Academy in Estill, South Carolina.

John is survived by his wife of 28 years, Ann Hinman Colby of Tappahannock, Virginia; his beloved step-grandchildren, LeighAnn Matthews and Bryce Matthews. He was also predeceased by his step-daughter, Amanda Marie Matthews of Tappahannock, Virginia. John has three children, John Wilson Colby III (Cheri), Julie Heather Carson Richey (Steve), and Deirdre Garrison James. John has a sister, Deirdre Sato, and one brother, George Colby (Cathy). John had ten grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many close family and friends all of whom he loved dearly.

John was a member of Tappahannock Presbyterian Church, a “pillar of the church,” and enjoyed attending and participating in any event. He loved the members of the church as his second family. John loved music and enjoyed the beautiful sounds of the organ and piano as Kathy Hughes, Director of Music made. He also enjoyed the choir, small in size, but mighty in song.

He enjoyed reading, music, gardening, spending time at the beach, coaching wrestling, wrestling, and enjoying taking care of his beloved shih-tzu, Simba.

John was a God-fearing man and put God first in his life. He gave himself to God a long time ago. He, his wife, and grandchildren try hard to live that way. John was kind to all, loving, caring, and always wanting to make life better. Special thanks to Jamie Cook, Director of Nursing, and her nursing staff at Dockside New Wing, who made John’s last days loving, kind, attentive and caring.

A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at Tappahannock Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m.