William Earl Hamby

william hamby
William Earl Hamby, born October 31, 1928, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, with his beloved family at his side. Mr. Hamby was a native of Booneville, NC, and was a son of the late Rev. Grady and Martha Hamby. He lived in Lenoir and Banner Elk until he became a teenager, when he moved to Boone, which he always called home. He served in the US Air Force from 1948 to 1952. Upon his return to the US he was stationed at Cape Canaveral, where he was instrumental in preparing for the First Manned space flight. Mr. Hamby was a building contractor and was a member of the VFW and of Beverly Hills Baptist Church and the Winmore Sunday School Class. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Edna McCracken and Mabel Ingle and a brother, Allen Hamby. Mr. Hamby is survived by his wife, Reba, who was his best friend and next door neighbor, then wife for 57 years; two sons, William Richard "Rick" Hamby and wife, Bobbi, and Jeffrey Lynn "Butch" Hamby and wife, Holly; four grandchildren, Ethan, Preston, and Garrison Hamby and Jennifer Hamby Ingle; and one brother, Howard B. Hamby of Bossier City, LA. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Beverly Hills Baptist Church with Dr. William D. King officiating. Burial will follow in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Groce Funeral Home, East Asheville, 856 Tunnel Road, and again on Friday at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 777 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805, or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.

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  1. Our thoughs and prayers are with you guys. Earl was truly a gentleman and always welcomed me in his home, especially when I was traveling and away from my family. He was always quick to laugh at all of my jokes. My fondest memory will forever be the Christmas Eve of 2009 when he was at our home in Easley where he met my dad…they were like two peas in a pod! He was top shelf in my book, and I will miss him very much. It is great to know that one day we will see him again! Love, Joe

  2. Reba, Rick, and Butch,

    Many pleasant memories come to mind when thinking about Earl, enjoyed working with him when he and Daddy were building houses and doing renovations. He would always take time to explain how to do something if asked. If Earl built it , it was right!!
    Our prayers will be with the family as we all celebrate Earl’s homecoming in Heaven.

    Gene & Cheryl

  3. Holly,

    I’m so sorry to hear the news about your father in law. You and your husband and family are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Susanna

  4. Reba,
    I was saddened to read about Earl. I’m sorry that I cannot be there tomorrow. He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by many. I am privileged to have known him. Please know that you and your famiy are in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven has another angel looking out for us and the Heels.
    Fondly, Barbara

  5. butch im sorry for your loss i just found out you and your family are in our prayers he was a very strong fighter

  6. Rick, I am so sorry about the loss of your father. Please know that my thoughts are with you, Bobbi, and the rest of your family.

    Jill


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