Charles K. Hamby, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on December 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born on June 13, 1943, in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, he was the beloved son of William Luther Hamby and Elizabeth Merinda Hamby. Throughout his illness, Charles faced each challenge with remarkable strength, deep faith, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. He touched the lives of all who knew him, remaining a constant beacon of hope and inspiration. Charles married Sara Bowker, on October 5, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they shared many wonderful years traveling the world alongside family and friends, creating lasting memories filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Charles had a deep love for food and cooking and found great joy in preparing meals for those he loved. He was frequently found visiting multiple stores in search of the freshest ingredients, taking pride in making family dinners or hosting large holiday feasts. He could always be counted on to create something delicious, as every dish was prepared with care and love. He also found peace and happiness in his garden, where he lovingly tended to flowers and took particular pride in growing tomatoes. Charles delighted in sharing the abundance of his harvest, generously giving tomatoes to neighbors, family members, and taking them to local churches-an expression of his generous and caring nature.

A devoted fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, Charles rarely went anywhere without wearing his Tennessee Vols gear. He took great joy in game days and was known for making phone calls to family members to be sure everyone knew when his team was playing and the game time.

Above all else, Charles had a deep and abiding love for his family. He was always checking in on his cousins, nieces, and nephews in Tennessee, making sure they were doing well. He could often be found at his grandchildren's sporting events, birthday celebrations, and graduation parties, offering support, encouragement, and pride in every milestone. Charles will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community. His legacy lives on in the memories shared, the meals prepared, the gardens grown, and the love he gave so freely.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 11 siblings: Edna Rogers, Leona Ervin, Zula Ervin, Beatrice Hilderbrand, Vera Burchfield,Clarence Hamby, Mimia Hood, Irema Long, Blanche Aaron, William Hamby, Robert “Carl” Hamby, and Billy Joe Hamby.

Survived by his wife, Sara Hamby; 7 Children: Mista (Brian) Asbury, Doug (Sherri) Hamby, Stacey (Richie) Hicks, Jennie (Tom) Fuerst, Jackie (Jake) Keck, Rob (Jake) Bowker, and Jon (Julie) Bowker; 17 grandchildren: Derek, Jessica, Kendra, and Brian Asbury, Vanessa and Corynn Hamby, Corrin and Cole Hicks, Tom, Trenton and Sara Fuerst, Jordan, Jensen, Jolie, and Jack Keck, and Mitch and Will Bowker; 22 great grandchildren: Isaiah, Esaliya, Ezra, Darien, Talise, Ilsa, Tige, Laven, Roan Jovie, Thrain, Elsie, Aspen, Ryker, Raelynn, Hunter, River, Scout, Madelyn, Troy, Josie and June; sister, Betty Sue Mills; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; brother and sister-in-laws: Lola (Russ) Burns, Peggy King, Paul (Ruthann) King, and Adah (Don) Horner.

A visitation will be held from 5 - 6 P.M. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle. Funeral service will be at 6:00 P.M. on Monday with a reception of food and fellowship afterwards in the Unger Horner Reception area. Cremation care will follow services. Memorials may be made to Blood Cancer United. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com