Norwich, Connecticut
Norwich - Rev. Gregory J. Hamby, 52, of 8 Lady Slipper Drive, Norwich, died Monday, July 29, 2013, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., while on vacation with his family.
He was born Aug. 23, 1960, in South Bend, Ind., the son of Joann Engle Hamby of Uncasville and the late Randall L. Hamby.
Rev. Hamby received a bachelor of science degree from Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va., and a master of arts degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He came to this area from the First Baptist Church of Toledo, Ohio in 1994, to serve as pastor of the Quaker Hill Baptist Church until 2012. In January of this year, he was called to serve as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Essex.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Travis Hamby; sons, Nicholas J. and Addison R. Hamby; and daughter, Hallie A. Hamby, all of Norwich; and a brother, Douglas Hamby of Greenville, S.C.
Greg loved the beach and the sea. A celebration of his life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Port ‘N Starboard Room at Ocean Beach Park, 1225 Ocean Ave., New London. Everyone is asked to wear their favorite Boston Red Sox apparel, a red item of clothing, or your favorite sports apparel. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Hamby Children's Education Fund, 45 Town St., Norwichtown, CT 06360.
Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
9 Years ago, Pastor Greg married my husband and I in a baseball stadium wearing his favorite Big Papi jersey! He was such a wonderful man who helped us begin our life together.
Dede MacDonald
August 07, 2021 | Friend
Dear Nancy I met Pastor Greg in 2003 when I was looking for a church home. I will never forget his words of encouragement and support that was given so freely. Rest in peace Pastor Greg. In Christ Love Ken and Carla Olson.
September 03, 2013
Pastor Greg, thank you for guiding me through some of my darkest moments in life 8 years ago. I will always remember our conversations and your kind and gentle words in person or by email after i moved. Your words always helped me feel at peace. You married me and Mark in 2008 I will always remember that day for the rest of my life. You will forever be missed by everyone that came across your pass. we all love you.
Sandy Blackstone-Antonellis
August 13, 2013 | West Newton, MA
Our family will be forever grateful to Greg and the strength and spiritual comfort he provided us all one year ago when our son Christopher passed away. The memorial service he conducted was a beautiful combination of scripture and personal memories, laughter and crying. Greg's presence helped ease everyones pain over those dark days last year. God Bless Greg Hamby.
John Guetens
August 11, 2013 | Uncasville, CT
Dear Nancy, Nick, Addison, Hallie, and the entire Hamby Family,
I met Greg when I sang at a wedding for some good friends, Gina and Al Lamperelli. Greg and I have bumped into one another over the years since and had a connection that seemed simply always there. I loved and admired his heart and spirit, and, though I don't know the family, trust I share a deep and abiding sense of your grief! I've lost both parents, know this so-special loss well, and hope, through this bereavement...
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August 09, 2013 | New London, CT
Dear Hamby Family,
We are sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Cardot Family
August 08, 2013 | Norwichtown, CT
There are no words to express the pain so many of us are feeling at the sadness of your tragic accident and death. My heart breaks for your family, especially your children, who will miss your strong presence in the their physical lives forever. But I also know your undying fatherly loves endures beyond death. I remember when you and Nancy arrived at QHBC with Nick as a toddler. Then the baby shower for the twins and so much joy in your and the Church family. You always took time to step up...
Dorothy Bruce
August 08, 2013 | Waterford, CT
Nancy, Nick, Hallie and Addison,
Please know that you're being remembered and prayed for in Michigan. Nancy, you and Greg were so important to my walk of faith and I still think of you both with love and affection. Your plans for his memorial are wonderful and such a beautiful acknowledgement of who he was, and who you are as a family. Bless you all.
--xoxox Amy Campbell (First Baptist, Toledo).
Amy Campbell
August 07, 2013 | Blissfield, MI
Nick, Hallie & Addison,
Your dad was an amazing man! He touched so many and saved so many more. I was one of those that he saved. The only thing that is helping me get through this is to think of what he would say and how he would comfort me and help me understand, because when he spoke I trusted him and believed him and somehow his words always made it better. Talk to him and he will always be there watching over to help you through and ease your pain. I am so so sorry this happen to...
Dana Shelley
August 07, 2013 | Uncasville, CT