Glenn Leon Hamby

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces the death of Mr. Glenn Leon Hamby, of Blairsville, Georgia. Glenn was born November 30, 1938. He passed away January 12, 2021 after an extended illness at the age of 82. He was the first born of Manley Paxton Hamby, Jr. and Almarie Atkins Hamby. He was married to JoAnn Rich Hamby for 58 years. Glenn resided in the Owltown District of Union County, Georgia most of his life.

Glenn was a lifelong member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church and always loved and supported his church. Over the years he has served the church in many capacities. In addition to being Sunday School Superintendent, he served as administrative board chairman and served on other church committees. For the past several years, he has been a member of the Shady Grove Cemetery committee.

Glenn has always loved sports, especially baseball. He played on the high school baseball team, then played Legion ball for a year. For a number of years, he played town ball with the teams in and around Union County. Glenn tried out for the minor league teams of the Chicago Cubs and the California Angels. Glenn was able to play for the California Angels for a period of time. He coached Union County kids for 13 plus years and umpired baseball games throughout North East Georgia. Glenn refereed high school basketball during this same period of time. Glenn had the distinction of serving as umpire for the Dixie Boys World Series held in South Carolina. Golf was another sport he enjoyed and still played until last year. He was a charter member and served on the Union County Recreation Board and the Union County Golf Board.

After a career as project Engineer with the Georgia Department of Transportation, he retired and opened the Owltown Baseball Card Shop serving the area for the past 30 years. Many people know him through the card shop. He enjoyed being around friends and family and meeting and talking with new people.

Glenn leaves behind his loving wife, Joann Rich Hamby. Two children: Royce Hamby (Sonya) and Teresa Hamby Ritzert (Bryan). He had grandchildren: Nychole Thielbar, Bryan Scott Ritzert (deceased), Amanda Shook, Paul Shook, Amber Carmichael, Joe Ritzert, Lacie Ritzert, and Allie Whited. He was the great-grandfather of Payton Mays, Audrey Shook, Ella Shook, Amelia Shook, Copeland Carmichael, Conner Carmichael, Mason Thielbar, and Charlotte Thielbar with two more on the way. Glenn also has two siblings: Roy Hamby and Cheryl Hamby Williams (Richard). Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Private family services are being planned due to the COVID 19 virus, and out of an abundance of concern for the community.

A memorial service for the community will be held at a later date and will be announced.

Donations may be made to Shady Grove Methodist Church or to your favorite charity in memory of Glenn.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.