Gary Nelson Hamrick

Gary Nelson (Hambone) Hamrick, 52, of Christiansburg, Va., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, in the company of his loved ones after a long courageous battle with colon cancer. He was born in Radford, Va., on January 15, 1957, to George Nelson and Shirley Hartsock Hamrick. He was a graduate of Christiansburg High School, Class of 1975. He was employed at Volvo GM Truck Inc. for 33 ½ years. He served in the local union 2069 for many years and most recently as a bargaining chairman.
He is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Dewey I. Thompson Sr. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Donna Thompson Hamrick, of Christiansburg, Va.; his two daughters and son-in-law, Marsha and Kelly Harvey, of Roanoke, Va., and Jessica Nicolle Hamrick, of Christiansburg, Va.; his grandchildren, Hayden and Kinsley Harvey; his parents, George and Shirley Hamrick, of Christiansburg, Va.; mother-in-law, Myrtle Thompson, of Christiansburg, Va.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Becky Hamrick Gerald and Gary, of High Point, N.C., and Robin Hamrick Dukes and Scott, of Winston Salem, N.C.; his sisters-in-law and brothers-inlaw, Dorothy and Billy Miller, of Pilot, Va., Doris and David Kirkner, of Pilot, Va., Debra and Richard Abate, of Christiansburg, Va., and Diane and Larry Duncan, of Christiansburg, Va.; brothers-in-law and sister-in law, Dewey (Tommy) and Ruby Thompson, of Concord, N.C., and John (Port) Thompson, of Christiansburg, Va. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, greatnephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Special thanks to Neal Turner, Montgomery County Hospital, Dr. Goldschmidt and his staff, Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, and Dr. Perry Shen and his staff. Thanks to everyone who sent cards, who visited and for the prayers during this difficult time. A very special "thank-you" to the UAW 2069 for standing by Gary.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 20, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Horne Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2009, at the Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church, 5262 East Lee Highway, Max Meadows, Va., off I-81, Exit 86, with Pastor Mike Ingo, Pastor Niky Twine and Pastor Wayne Burnett officiating. Interment to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make contributions payable to Donna Hamrick, a college fund will be started for his grandchildren, P.O. Box 491, Christiansburg, Va. 24068. The Hamrick family is being served by Horne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.