Bill Hamey

Joseph William "Bill" Hamey loved life and for over 98 years had a contagious way of sharing his sense of wonder and creativity with those he met. Bill was born on May 20,1927 in Parma, Ohio, to Joseph Vincent Hamey and Mary Ellen (Pugh) Hamey. He passed into the presence of Jesus on November 8, 2025. His first words were probably, "This is awesome!"

Bill had a deep love for his family that endured throughout his lifetime. His Italian American father instilled in him a wonder of the outdoors, and the nurturing care and love of his mom was never far from his heart. He was the third of four Hamey children that grew up on Russell Avenue in Parma. He often credited their oldest brother Ulysses "Jack" (Alice) for showing him how to be a good brother to his older sister, Cleo Virginia (Bert) Granger and his younger sister, Nancy Carol Courey. They were siblings first, and friends for a lifetime.

On Christmas Eve of 1946,19-year-old Bill became an uncle, and in the years that followed, the thirteen people privileged to be his nieces and nephews always knew they were loved by "Uncle Bill." They are Jack and Alice's children: Bobby (Suzette) Hamey, Peggy (John) VanSoest, Suzy Hamey, Richard (Mickey) Hamey, Jimmy (Diane) Hamey, and Jeff (Angie) Hamey; Cleo and Bert's children: David (Sue) Granger, and MaryJo Granger; and Nancy's children: Deana (Dale) Rogers, Karen (Scott) Gilmore, Scott (Lisa) Courey, Linda Courey, and Brenda (Brian) Kammers. Visits to the Cleveland Zoo, Sunday afternoon dinners-with at least three kinds of pie-at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and surprise visits to family who moved to Michigan, were all commonplace.

His love for his nieces and nephews, and their growing families, spouses, children, and grandchildren was one of the great joys of Bill's life. He never lost track of what they were doing, what they loved, or how to pray for them. Visits to the Michigan families were a favorite part of every year. He never wanted to miss a Lake Michigan sunset and looked forward to barn nights at Fernwood. There are hundreds of photos of children and adults, gathered around to play, laugh, listen, and enjoy the company of this unforgettable man.

Bill began attending Parma Lutheran church when he was a boy with his sister Cleo and her friend Virginia. He began to follow the way of Jesus there, and during his lifetime the people of PLC became family to him. He was a Bible teacher for children and adults and chose to serve in any way that touched the lives of others. He could not speak of his church without a huge smile across his face! Heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Jeffery "Jay" Scott Plummer and Dan Zaranec for your time and care and love.

Bill lived most of his life in Parma. After graduating from Parma Senior High School in 1946, he began a 43-year career in the printing trade as a "platemaker." After retiring in 1989, he shared his love of art as a part-time teacher at Cuyahoga Community College. Away from work, he could often be found with a paintbrush in his hand. He loved to set up an easel on the grounds of Cleveland Metroparks to look for beauty, notice the colors, ponder the light, and create on canvas a snapshot of the amazing world that captured his attention.

Bill lived life to the full. He was in his eighties when he moved to Independence Place in Parma Heights and found the best of friends. They were Cleveland sports fans, talent-contest competitors, Bible study partners, and neighbors who checked on each other. He loved his life there. Thanks to MaryJo for all the ways you cared for Uncle Bill there and kept his refrigerator full! We can't leave out the morkie visits - your Mork and Mindy were his favorite four-legged friends. And grateful thanks to David and Sue Granger, for taking over the administration of Uncle Bill's care, loving and caring for him these past years. He knew he was in good hands!

This story is not complete without the love story of Bill and Sally. They met at the Parma Senior Center, and a beautiful friendship began one day on the dance floor. They enjoyed art museums, day trips with the center, family dinners with Sally's daughter Marlene (Chris) Chimes, Saturday night card games at MaryJo's, frequent phone calls, and just being together. Special thanks to Erin Lally, director of the PSC for your kind love and care.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; his brother Jack and his wife Alice; his sister Cleo and her husband Bert, his nephew Bobby and his wife Suzette, his nieces Peggy and Suzy, and his dance partner and treasured girlfriend, Sally.

He will be lovingly remembered by his dear sister Nancy Carol. They spoke with each other daily, keeping track of each other's lives and families. Because of their unwavering bond, they always knew how to pray for, encourage, and celebrate each other, and the many generations of their families. To be known deeply is one of life's greatest gifts. Their bond was that kind of gift. A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Bill's presence here will be greatly missed, but his gentle spirit, his laughter, his artwork, and his continual reminders to love God and each other, will live on in the lives of all who knew him. The smile on his face and the songs on his lips flowed from an unburdened heart because he chose forgiveness over hurt, the present over the past, and looking at each person he encountered as image-bearers of Jesus.

A Celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:30AM with a with a luncheon to follow at Parma Lutheran Church, 5280 Broadview Rd, Cleveland, OH 44134

Deep gratitude to the caring staff at Pleasant View Care Center - Legacy Place, and Continuum Care Hospice of Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Parma Lutheran Church Children's ministry is a beautiful way to honor Bill's heart and legacy: Online Giving | Parma Lutheran Church