James Robert (Robby) Newton, 81, of Campbellsville, KY passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 10:46 p.m. in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 28, 1945 in Campbellsville to the late Malcom Derr Newton and Martha Elizabeth Newton.

Robby grew up with many siblings in the countryside of Hwy 744 and Newton Lane in Taylor County. He united in marriage to his beloved Diane Clements on February 12, 1966. He and Diane lived in Tacoma, Washington while he served in the U.S. Army. He was drafted at age 20 and turned 21 in Vietnam. Later he was stationed in Ft. Knox, KY and then on to Ft. Hood, Texas where he took basic training and then on to Ft. Lewis, Washington for advanced training. He was awarded the following medals while deployed: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Army Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. He was also awarded a Certificate of Gratitude and Respect from a former veteran and Hosparus Health. He gained the rank as Sergeant, James Robert Newton of the US Army Artillery, Vietnam in 1966-67.

After being discharged from the Army, he worked as a mechanic and restaurant owner. Along with his siblings, he learned to cook from his mother, Elizabeth Newton. Little did he know he would cook for many people over the years at the Stockyards Restaurant and Mannsville Restaurant. Later he and his wife started Newton’s Country Cookin’ Restaurant where they served the best catfish around. He was known to drink Diet Mountain Dew many times every day while watching the Kentucky Wildcats, Westerns and Dirt Track Racing. Robby was a member of the American Legion Post #82 where he served as Sergeant?at?Arms.

Robby loved being at home surrounded by his family. Over the years, he and his brother, Shorty, traveled to many dirt track races while helping his son, Gerald. His last adventure was a trip to visit Washington, D.C. with the Honor Flight Bluegrass. Escorted by his daughter Tammy and joined by his son Troy, he was invited to take an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to view monuments including Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Wall, which bears the name of Americans who did not return to civilian life. During this visit, he was greeted by name by Kentucky congressman, Mr. Morgan McGarvey. He also made a new friend, Mr. Jim Parker.

SURVIVORS:

3 children: Gerald & wife Carissa of Indianapolis, Indiana; Tammy Sluder & husband Bernie and Troy Newton & wife Lesley, both of Campbellsville, KY

6 grandchildren: Natalie Hughes & husband Cameron; Eric Sluder & wife Leigh Ann; Katie Rogers & husband Jordan; Chrissy Holian & husband Dean; Addison Newton and Owen Newton

3 great-grandchildren: Tatum Sluder, Hunter Holian and Isabeau Hughes

Bonus granddaughter: Bre Miles

2 brothers: Orville & wife Rena and Shorty & wife Delores

Brothers-in-law: Robert Carol Clements and Jody Clements & wife Faye

Sisters-in-law: Charlene Hughes, Peggy Clements, and Ann Clements

Many nieces & nephews

His caregivers: Tara Haulk, Kerrie Benningfield, Holly Avila, Judd Furkin, Delores Newton, Alexis Ellis and Jarie Newby

Special caregiver of 10 years: Shannon Krebbs

In his childhood, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was a member of the Pitman Valley Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane Clements Newton and his father, Malcom Derr Newton and mother, Martha Elizabeth Newton, sister, Martha Nell Benningfield; and two brothers: Glen Newton and Dannie Newton.

uneral Service: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 1:00pmET at Parrott and Ramsey Funeral Home in Greensburg, KY with Bro. John Russell, Bro. Dannie Nelson and Bro. Timmy Coghill officiating
 

Burial: Campbellsville Memorial Gardens with full military honors by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard

Visitation: Monday, November 9, 2026 from 5:00pm-8:00pmET at the funeral home

Pallbearers: Cameron Hughes, Owen Newton, Dean Holian, Jordan Rogers, Allen Newton, Timmy Newton, Ziggy Newton, Billy Benningfield, Mark Speer, Jeddy Chastain, Shannon Krebbs, and Eric Sluder

Memoriam Pallbearers: Johnny Newton, Ricky Appleby, and Michael Appleby