of Conway, AR
August 30, 1933 - December 22, 2016
Junior David (J.D.) Hamby, originally from Bradford, Arkansas, passed away on December 22, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. J.D., or "Pa" as he was known by his grandchildren, was born August 30, 1933 and spent his formative years on a riverboat, which was appropriate for all those who knew him. J.D. grew up learning the value of hard work. At an early age, he helped to provide for his family by hunting, fishing, and doing odd jobs. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty (Bryant), on October 18, 1952, and soon left Arkansas to find work in Flint, Michigan. J.D. spent 35 years working for General Motors as a die maker, retiring in 1989. J.D. and Betty raised all three of their children, Cynthia (husband Craig Hering), Sharon (husband Thomas Rose), and Mark, in Michigan, and he returned home to Arkansas in 1996 to live the rest of his life.
J.D. never truly retired, and spent most his days working on projects, even after he became ill. His family is certain that many safety manuals were inspired by J.D.'s adventures. He often joked about the amount of metal hardware surgically installed in his body, and looked forward to any opportunity to walk through a metal detector. He fell out of tree stands, rolled 4-wheelers, burned lawns, fell out of boats, and he lived his life to the fullest. He was never satisfied to sit around, and was always on the lookout for things that need to be fixed and people who needed a hand.
J.D. was loved by all those that knew him. He was always ready with a joke and a smile, even as he dealt with many difficulties associated with his health. He loved children, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him great joy. He loved to tell people about all of the "kids" in his life, and was proud of all of their accomplishments. All of his grandchildren's' friends knew J.D. as "Pa," and he was most happy when he had a house full of kids to laugh and play with. He will be missed, but those that knew him will always remember the stories and laughter he shared. The family would like to sincerely thank all of the staff and professionals at UAMS who took such loving care of J.D. for the past few years.
J.D. is survived by his loving wife, Betty, his daughter Cynthia (Craig) Hering of Fenton, MI, daughter Sharon (Thomas) Rose, of Conway, brother Elgin Hamby of Bradford, sister Connie Hamby of Bald Knob, and brother John Hamby of Bald Knob. His surviving grandchildren are Joshua Birmingham (Lisa) of Wellington, FL, Chad Rose (Brittany) of Conway, Adam Rose (Whitney) of North Little Rock, Kylee Johnston (Matthew) of Conway, Daniel Hamby of Auburn Hills, MI, Andrew Hamby, Grand Blanc, MI, and Erica Hering, Fenton MI, along with ten great-grandchildren.
J.D. is preceded in death by his son, Mark, his parents, several siblings, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
Funeral service will be 12:00 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Worden Baptist Church in Bald Knob, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Monday, December 26, at the Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Interment will follow at Smith Cemetery in Bradford, Arkansas .
Online guestbook can be found at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway