FRED KEMP HAMBY, age 87, of Clarkesville, GA., died Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at a local area private care facility following an extended illness.
Mr. Hamby was born in Marietta, GA., on January 17, 1927, to the late Carl and Edna Hamby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Harold, Joe, and Ben Hamby; and two sisters, Frances Griffin and Sara Shipp.
Mr. Hamby was of the Presbyterian faith. He was a devout supporter of numerous Christian ministries. Mr. Hamby served as an active elder for many years and also served the Presbytery as chairman of the Committee on the Minister. He also has been a representative to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. He served as elder at River Point Community Church.
Mr. Hamby started his adult life by serving his country in the US Army during WWII. After leaving service, he started his working career as a coach with Augusta Academy and then moved to Habersham County, Georgia, accepting a position as coach with North Habersham. Later, he co-owned and operated Andrews – Hamby men’s store in Toccoa, GA. In later years Mr. Hamby became the agency /owner of the State Farm Insurance Agency in Clarkesville, GA.
Mr. Hamby served his community well over the years. He was one of the founders of the Soque Recreational Department where he was active in recruiting a recreational director and volunteered his time as a coach for the recreational department. He served on the board of directors of at First National Bank of Cornelia, which is now Regions Bank. Mr. Hamby was one of the co-founders of the Habersham County Soup Kitchen and served as a volunteer, where he put in countless hours in the kitchen. He also worked with the Laotian community in Habersham County with such things as helping them earn their citizenship and with everyday tasks, such as how to start a checking account.
An interesting fact concerning Mr. Hamby’s early years was that he went to the University of Georgia on a football scholarship and he did not only play football, but was also on the UGA basketball team. It goes without saying, he was a true red and black “Dawg fan”!
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Joan Hamby, Clarkesville, GA; daughter, Rebecca Diane Hamby, Colorado; daughter and son-in-law, Joanie and Jason Allen, Dawsonville, GA; and step-daughter and her husband, Elizabeth and Jimmy Franklin, Mt. Airy, GA.; step-sons, Jack Arnold Farley and Robert Lee Farley, both of Clarkesville, GA; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest GA with the Rev. Robbie Bailey and Rev. Jason Allen serving at the graveside. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 6pm – 8pm on Friday, October 10, 2014, at the funeral home.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA, 706-778-1700.
Those wishing to express online condolences to the Hamby family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
