Harold Ray Hamby

Mr. Harold R. Hamby, Johnson City, 71, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2011, at the Johnson City Medical Center after an extended illness. Harold was the only child of the late Rufus C. and Martha C. Hamby. He was a retired employee of Eastman Chemical Company and an avid collector. A member of Rich Acres Freewill Baptist Church, Harolds love and passion was ministering through music as the Hamby Family Gospel Quartet. Harold was greatly loved by his wife, children, their spouses, granddaughter, along with many friends. Survivors include his wife of 50 wonderful years, Barbara B. Hamby; one son and his wife and daughter, Jeffrey and Lisa Hamby and Erika Hamby, Johnson City; a daughter and her husband, Elaine and Leon Johnson, Gray; two step granddaughters, Kellie Painter, Piney Flats and Karol Vaughn, Gray; step great-granddaughter Korie Painter, Piney Flats; and his special pet, Taylor. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of JCMC, especially the Intensive Care and Trauma Service units, for the compassionate care given. In lieu of flowers, please contact Marsh Regional Blood Center or the American Red Cross to make a donation in any form. The funeral service for Mr. Harold R. Hamby will be conducted at 7:30 PM Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Rev. Kenneth Grindstaff will officiate. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 1 PM Wednesday in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Leon Johnson, Wayne Ford, Wayne 'Bud'? Shirley, Earl Hughes, Buddy Blankenship and Ted Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Zane Painter, Doug Vaughn, Bud Gray, Jerry Bailey, Dr. Patrick L. Bosarge. Minister, family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home by 12:30 PM Wednesday to go in procession. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 PM Tuesday prior to the service.