Eugene Byron “Colby” Trammell, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Fincastle on April 16, 2024 with his wife, Trudy, by his side.
Colby is survived by Trudy, his wife of 54 years; his daughter Kimberly and husband Jason; grandchildren, Sadie and Drew; sister and brother-in-law, Chyleen and Hank Bradley; brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Maureen Trammell; six nieces and nephews; and many close family members and friends. These friends have shown up strong for the family in the recent weeks.
Colby has born on February 19, 1948 in Corbin, Ky. to Eugene Howard “Big Colby” Trammell and Virginia Lee “Babe” Steele Trammell. Colby had a happy childhood playing sports, camping, fishing and hunting; and generally getting into good trouble. He graduated from Northside High School in 1966 and moved on to the Virginia Military Institute where he played football and received a B.S. in Biology in 1970. He enjoyed reconnecting with his VMI classmates in recent years and their support has been greatly appreciated. He received his Master’s in Education Administration from the University of Virginia.
Colby met Trudy at a beach party in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1969. Despite showing up at his future in-laws’ house in beach attire without shoes on, he managed to keep Trudy and they got married in 1971.
Following time as an officer in the Army in Fort Benning, Ga., Colby and Trudy returned to Virginia to start their careers in education. They spent time and served in education in Clifton Forge, Lancaster County, Bath County, and finally Botetourt County. During those travels they collected a wonderful set of friends in each location that they have maintained since. During that time, they also welcomed Kimberly into the family. Colby was a loving father, always supporting Kim and her interests.
Colby retired from education in 2000 as Assistant Principal of James River High School and enjoyed 24 years of active retirement! He pursued many interests including but not limited to hunting and working on the Roho Hunt Camp that he was a member of for more than 40 years, fishing and taking fishing trips as far as Quebec, attending any sporting event, archery, horses and cattle and maintaining his beautiful home and property between Fincastle and Eagle Rock. He also enjoyed spending time with Trudy, Kim, Jason, Sadie and Drew. He was a terrific grandfather and Sadie and Drew will keep the important lessons he taught them throughout their lives. Colby was an intelligent, kind, strong, curious and honest man. We will miss him terribly but take comfort in the memories and countless lessons he taught us.
In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. The life of Colby Trammell will celebrated on Sunday, May 5, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Bailey Wick Family Farm in Fincastle.
Colby’s family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity, in his memory.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge handled arrangements. To send condolences to the family online, pvisit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.
