Barry Wayne Hamby

Barry Wayne Hamby, 64, of Ellijay, died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, in the home he shared with his brother, Roger.

He was born Oct. 4, 1956, in Winston Salem, N.C. His mother, Carol Stanley Hamby and father, Paul Matthew Hamby loved and cared for him completely. 

He attended North Forsyth High School (NC), graduating with honors and then the University of North Carolina and the UNC Pharmacy School in 1979. He became one of the youngest store manager/pharmacists for Kerr Drugs and was assigned to their store in Rocky Mount, N.C.

He was flourishing in his chosen field but still took time to visit his parents. In April 1983, tragically, while driving back to Rocky Mount, he was involved in a collision with an out-of-control driver. He suffered a traumatic brain injury which disabled him for the rest of his life. He battled back from a nearly yearlong coma and amazed his doctors by surviving. He spent time at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver, Colo., and was released to the care of his parents in 1985.

From that time forward, he was cared for by his family in their homes. They were helped greatly by home health aides, especially by Mr. Ed McDaniels and others in the medical community. In 1998, his guardianship was transferred to his brother, Roger. 

He and his family continued to care for Barry first in Winston Salem, then Ft. Myers, Fla., and finally in Ellijay, the last seven years.

He is survived by brother, Roger; sister-in-law, Rhonda; and niece, Alexa Hamby, of Mint Hill, N.C.

He is preceded in death by father, Paul in 1987 and mother, Carol in 1998.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in the Coosawattee River Resort (East Park), in Ellijay.

Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.