Virgil William Hamby

Virgil William Hamby passed away the evening of March 2nd 2018 in Hilliard Ohio. He was greeted by his mother, Jessie, and father, Verdon Hamby; brothers, Virgil Hamby and James Hamby; son, Bobby Hamby, Clarence “Shorty” and Marie Hamby and Tom Hamby; Sister, Shiela and Willy “Red” Davenport; grand-daughter, Dustie Hamby and brother-in-law, Alton Thompson; He is survived by sons, Jimmy “Slic” (Eva) Hamby and Kenny Hamby, Charles “Charlie” and wife Betty Hamby; daughter, Stacy Hamby; sisters, Theresa (Lester “Bill”) Bennett, Patty Ann (Freddy) Anderson, Shirley Thompson; sister-in-law Betty Hamby and fiancée, Rosalie Walker. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Myranda, Kenny, Joshua, Brandy, Jennie, Drake, Marley, and Jade and great-grandchildren; Jamie Dale, Torie, Anthony, Justin, Raylee, and Tyler. He also left behind many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. Born Kenneth Lee Hamby, August 2nd 1931, in Eastland, Tennessee, he later legally changed his name to that of his deceased older brother, Virgil William Hamby, in 1973. Throughout the course of his life, he loved to travel and called many places home. His joy in traveling meant his family enjoyed many surprise visits; he would show up unexpectedly with a vehicle full of instruments and was always welcomed with open arms. V.W. was the consummate entertainer; able to play any stringed instrument captivating all audiences, large or small, with his music, wit, stories and the ability to weave adventurous tales. Thousands of evenings were spent with members of his family playing music and singing. Those memories will be cherished by his family and friends that experienced them forever. V.W. loved his family and enlisted in the Army Sept. 1949, so he could send money back to his parents to improve his family’s well being. During the Korean War, he served honorably and heroically. In 1952, during combat, he suffered grievous injuries from gunshots, phosphorous grenades and hand to hand combat. After his injuries, he was honorably discharged. Whereas he loved his county, he was never proud of his heroism during the war; he never spoke much about his time in the military and refused the medals that would have been rightfully bestowed upon him. Although he was known by many names (Kenneth, Virgil, V.W, Tiger, Unkie, and Brother), and was a rather private man when he wasn’t entertaining, one thing is certain; he was loved and will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

Virgil William Hamby

March 2, 2018