Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Pastor William Hamby

01/13/1945 - 12/01/2024

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Obituary For Pastor William Hamby

Pastor William Hamby, 79, of Beckley, WV, entered eternal rest on December 1, 2024 surrounded by his family.

As the first-born boy to William and Cleola Hamby, William “Bill” Hamby, came into this world as a natural born leader on January 13, 1945. During childhood, Bill, being one of nine children began to create an unparalleled work ethic. Bill worked hard at everything he touched as a child. From following his dad to the coal mine to taking his High School basketball team to the State Championship he embodied carrying the Hamby name. Anyone who met him felt impacted by speaking God, love and light into their lives.

After graduating from Trap Hill High School, Bill went on to serve his country by joining the Army and Navy. Shortly before returning to service, to become a Navy airman, he found Wanda who he says, “clipped his wings”. After walking 40 miles daily to date her, they were married and started a life together. The two created a beautiful family of four children, eight grandkids and eight great-grandkids. His supreme love for his family was known and felt. Bill was a hardworking man that held various positions in WV such as being a coalminer, garbage collector and worker at Cabbott Gas Company. Ultimately, he found his work home at the Board of Public Works for the City of Beckley. After 22 years of dedication to the City of Beckley, he retired as the Foreman. Bill was a faithful servant to the church, holding various positions for over 45 years. Later, as Bill was a natural born leader, God blessed him to start his own church in which he pastored for 7 years. After falling ill, he returned to his home church under the pastorship of Overseer Yvonne Y. Law, Living Waters Outreach Ministry.

Bill is preceded by death by parents: William and Cleola Hamby, sisters: Cleola “Dee” (Bobby) Blaney, Katrina Hamby, Jeanette Hamby, brothers: James “Jimmy” Hamby, Ronald “Ronnie” (Barbara) Hamby, and Roger (Brenda) Hamby.

Bill is survived by his wife: Wanda Hamby, children: William “BB” Hamby, Latishche Hamby, Jonica Hamby, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Trimble, grandchildren: Michael Hamby, Dejah Hamby, Lashawn Dowdy, Lesley Dowdy, William Douglas, Toby Quinn, Alexis Trimble and Skylar Trimble, great grandchildren: Ava, Amelia, Shamiya, Harmony, Michael Jr., Jeydriel, Melody and Lyric, two sisters: Audrey (Willie) Johnson and Patricia Sorrells. He also leaves a host of bonus family members and friends (too many to name) who will sadly miss him.

During his retired years, Bill enjoyed preaching, teaching and studying the word of God, spending time with family, watching his favorite Westerns and rooting on his Cowboys. His dedication to his faith and his desire to bring light to those in need epitomized his joyful and generous nature. Bill was simply one of a kind.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Monday December 9, 2024 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Apostle Melvin Mosley officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

01/03/2025

Mike Lawson

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill at the City of Beckley for seven years with me leaving the City in 1990. I would run into him occasionally and we would share some time together. He was a good person and a great man and I know he will be missed by all those in that inner circle we all have. I regret that I didn't hear of his passing so I could have paid proper respect; however, I just accidental found out when I ran into another former City worker - God Bless and find strength in the Lord
12/11/2024

Khandi Stewart

I am praying for you and the family. I know it hurts, but he is resting in the arms of the Lord! No more pain! Love you, Elder Hamby!
12/09/2024

Jeani Thompson

My sincere condolences and prayers to the family of Elder William Hamby. He was truly a sweet lovable man of God and will be greatly missed.❤️🙏🏽
12/09/2024

Clifford & Eileen

Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Hamby family. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington
12/08/2024

Brenda Martin

Our prayers and condolences to Wanda and the entire Hamby family.Weeping may endure through the night but joy cometh in the morning Psalms 30:5. God is close to the broken hearted Psalms 34:18 Sincerely Brenda,Linda,Hortense,Jean. Columbus,Ohio
12/07/2024

Dennis and Elissa Lindsay

Bill, so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He must have been a great man. Dennis and Elissa Lindsay
12/07/2024

Gloria Brown

We the Pastor Charles Brown, 1st Lady Gloria Brown and Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Family send heartfelt Condolences and Prayers to the Family of Pastor William Hamby to his Wife Elder Wanda Hamby, Children, Grandchildren and Family. May the Minister of comfort and love minister to your hearts during this difficult time of pain. We are standing assured to be absent from the body is to be presence with the Lord. May the Lord continue to comfort you all in our prayers. 🙏🏾 Love and Prayers Pastor Charles & Gloria Brown
12/07/2024

Chaplain Paul Bricker

May God bless the family of Pastor Hamby. We are a grateful nation for his service to this country. We are a especially thankful for his service to our Lord Jesus Christ. Chaplain Paul Bricker
12/07/2024

Angella Dews-Rhodes

To the Hamby family, church members of Living Waters Apostolic Restoration Temple, and friends. Well Done, Pastor William Hamby, he has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he kept the faith. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him on that day—and not only to him, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2Timothy 4: 7-8 We love you all so much.
12/06/2024

Dr. Beverly Crockett-Goudy

Pastor Hamby was a gentle giant. He will be greatly missed. May God comfort and keep you all. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. With heartfelt condolences and extended prayer. Lovingly submitted, Dr. Beverly Crockett-Goudy & Family
12/06/2024

Melva A

Prayers of peace to the family and friends of Mr. Hamby.
12/06/2024

Reginald Green

Prayers and condolences to the family,may the Lord continue to watch over you for he is worthy to be praised Reggie and Cheryl Green
12/06/2024

Wilbert & Doris McCormick

To the Hamby Family: We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to this family. My God be with you during your hours of bereavement. Wilbert & Doris Boyden McCormick
12/06/2024

Cordelia Rush

I can remember Billy when Wanda and I first graduated he would come and take us to work very early in morning and return to bring us back home he was always so very nice.But one thing I do know he loved His Wanda what a true love story I know and it showed! Rest In Peace And you will not be forgotten. Cordelia
12/06/2024

Irma Anderson
12/06/2024

- Charlene Wynes Davis

Prayers
12/05/2024

Liz Hardy and Family

Deepest sympathy and prayers to the Hamby Family
12/05/2024

Bishop Jimmy Simms

To the Hamby Family; I'd like to extend my condolences, deepest sympathies, and prayerful support during this difficult time in your life. I remember (Billy) when I was just a child in Lester. I'm saddened to know that he's no longer with us physically, but rejoice in the fact that he'd made his calling and election sure. Therefore we don't sorrow as others, who have no hope. May God's "Word" give you strength and His peace give you comfort! Jimmy Simms
12/04/2024

James & Delena Jones

Our thoughts and prayers are with Elder Wanda, Elder Tish and Min. William during this most difficult time. We know that God will be your strength and comfort. Love Bishop James & Delena Jones
12/04/2024

Patricia Sorrell

My big brother 💙 I will never forget you ever. Rest in peace 🙏 Your baby sister Patricia Hamby Sorrell.
12/04/2024

Mamie Millner

Prayers and Heartfelt Condolences go out to the entire family. I pray that God hugs your heart.
12/04/2024

Elizabeth Settle-Zeigler

Prayers and condolences to the Hamby family and friends, May God strengthen you and give you peace during this difficult time
12/04/2024

Mazie Black

Sending sincere condolences to the family and friends is Pastor William Hamby.
12/04/2024

SISSY SNODGRASS

WE HAD MR HAMBY IN DIALYSIS AT RGH. HE WAS A VERY SWEET GUY. PRAYERS GOING UP FOR FAMILY