Kenneth Edward Hamby

Kenneth Edward Hamby, 84, passed away on December 7th, 2024, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham AL. He was born May 18th, 1940, in Tuscaloosa, AL, the son of Samuel F. Hamby and Katie Eloise Gast Hamby. He married Joe Ann Copeland on December 26th, 1964.
Following graduation from AG Parrish High School in Selma, AL, Ken briefly attended the University of Alabama before enlisting in the US Air Force. He most proudly served in the 875th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron during Vietnam and was based in Rosas, Spain.
He was Honorably Discharged from active duty in 1965 and continued his service to his country in the Air National Guard until 1984 when he was Honorably Discharged from the National Guard. He worked many years for Honeywell and retired from Lockheed Martin after a very successful career at Fort Rucker.
Ken loved to learn, and earned many degrees including Electronics Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Science, and a Masters in Personnel Management, both from Troy State University. He most recently took classes at Samford University and had always dreamed of earning a Doctorate.
Ken was a jack of all trades and was actively involved in many hobbies. He was a Beekeeper and was well known for his Shelby County Fair prize-winning honey. He was also a Ham Radio Operator, K4DRL, and loved to build and fly RC Model Airplanes. He was a clockmaker, woodworker, photographer, gardener, and avid collector of stamps, coins, guns, books, and historical memorabilia.
He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Gerald Lee Hamby. He is survived by his wife Joe Ann Hamby, their daughter, Karen Hamby Trout, and her husband, Nick Trout of Chelsea, AL, and three grandchildren, Savannah Trout, Olivia Trout, and Sam Trout.
Visitation will be on Monday, December 16, 2024, 11:30-12:30 at Bolton Funeral Home, 207 Hwy 47 South, Columbiana, AL 35051Graveside service will follow at 1:15-1:45 at the Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
The family has requested donations to the Disabled Veteran's Association in his honor, in lieu of flowers. DAV.org or PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.