WILLIAM E. HAMB (BILL), 90, of Amelia Island, Florida passed away peacefully at home on September 7, 2025.
Bill was born on June 18,1935, in Accoville, Logan County, West Virginia to the late James P. and Dorothy P. Hamb. He grew up in Southern West Virginia, graduating from Man High School, and went on to attend West Virginia University, where he earned a B.S. in Economics followed by an LLB/J.D.
After graduating from law school he was immediately hired as an Associate at Thomas & Hill, Inc., in Charleston, West Virginia and later served as Vice Chairman of the Board and General Counsel. He then established his own firm, Hamb & Poffenbarger, PC.
Throughout his 62 year career, Bill was deeply committed to helping develop West Virginia's economy through commercial and recreational projects such as Snowshoe Mountain and Summersville Lake. As an accomplished lawyer he was often called upon by many Federal Judges for his expertise and also served as an expert witness in countless trials. During his latter years in the law, Bill was Senior Counsel at Robinson & McElwee, PLLC.
Bill also served on several corporate boards, including First Empire Federal Savings and Loan, Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce and Kanawha Banking and Trust where he was Director. Of all the professional contributions, he was most proud to serve on the Board of SBR, Inc. Beyond his legal and corporate work, he was active in charitable organizations such the Legal Aid Society and Keep a Child in School.
Bill was an avid tennis player who recently retired from the sport at age 89. He was also a skilled fly fisherman, an excellent downhill skier, water-skier and distance runner. His greatest joy, however, came from time spent with his family. Among his fondest memories were horseback rides with his daughter, Lara.
After moving with his wife, Kent, to Amelia Island Bill loved to walk on the beach collecting sharks teeth and crafting beautiful shell trees. He often gave these trees as gifts to family and friends. He was known for his dry sense of humor, his quick wit and his compassion and kindness towards other people. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Robyn Hyde, her husband James Hyde, his sister Suzie Roberts and his brother in law Harry Roberts, and his stepson David Hereford.
He is survived by his wife Kent, his daughter Lara Hamb-Jett (Craig), his sister Artie Bobo (Dick), his brother Lynn Hamb (Joan), step grandson, Miles Cote and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Virginia University Foundation, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507 (www.
give.wvu.edu) or to a
charity of your choice.
Published by Charleston Gazette-Mail on Sep. 20, 2025.