Thomas "Tom" Howard

Hamby

Mr. Thomas Howard Hamby,91, of Silver Creek, Georgia, passed away on November 7. 2026.

Born on June 4, 1935, to the late Thomas and Bertha Hamby in San Antonia, Texas. Tom lived a life rich in service, creativity, and love.

After graduating from Pepperell High School, he worked for Lockheed in Marietta, GA and Delta Air Lines in Atlanta before joining the U. S. Navy working as a mechanic with airplanes and helicopters for most of his career, retiring after 24 years as a Master Chief. He also worked for a U, S. Government Contractor at A.U.T.E.C. in the Bahamas for several years.

After returning to the Rome, GA area, he and his wife of 67 years, opened the Blackberry Mountain Studio, a stained-glass studio, and was very active in the downtown area. For several years, during the Holiday season, Tom was a Santa’s helper, along with his Mrs. Claus, and loved seeing smiles on all of the children’s and adult’s faces alike. One of his greatest pleasures was representing Santa in the Rome Christmas Parade for several years. Tom was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Rubin Hamby and Bertha Howard Hamby. His siblings; Verlie Cowan, Retha (Jack) Sigler, Ida Lee Callaway, Henry Ford Hamby, Virginia Ruth Toner, and Clara Jene Watson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, of 67 years, Eleanor Hardin Hamby; Their children, Deborah Hamby of, Silver Creek, GA., Kristin Hackett of New Lenox, Illinois, Thom Hamby of Silver Creek, GA. and adopted son of our hearts, Rick Cook of Albany New York; four grandchildren, Will (Elizabeth) Garton, Dennis (JJ) Garton, Karissa Hackett and Jessi (Derrick) Kimbrough; and three great-grandchildren; Emma Garton, Eli Garton and Brennen Kimbrough.

In accordance with Mr. Hamby’s wishes, he will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

 If you wish, donations may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of NWCA (navywivesclubsofamerica.org) in his Memory.

Salmon Funeral Home is honored to serve and care for the family of Mr. Thomas Hamby.