Ralph ‘Harlan’ Hamby Jr., 86, of Newport News passed away peacefully with his wife holding his hand, Thursday, January 30, 2025 after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Harlan is a native of North Carolina, grew up in Newport News and graduated from Newport News High School in 1956. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ralph Hamby Sr and Edna Hamby.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 57 years Virginia Siceloff Hamby; children, Laura Veronie (Pat); Katherine Harry (Jason); 3 grandchildren, Emily Veronie (Aaron Knighten); Samantha and Luke Harry; and one great granddaughter Lilly Knighten. He is also survived by two sisters; Betty Neher of Newport News and Carmen Snow of Mt. Airy NC and numerous nieces and nephews he loved as his own.
Harlan served in the US Army during the Korean War. They noticed his desire to care for others and stationed him at Walter Reed Hospital to care for the wounded. After his service, Harlan worked his entire career as a dental technician at Peninsula Dental Laboratory in Newport News where he met and kept numerous friendships throughout the years.
Harlan met his wife Virginia at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newport News, when he noticed the pretty blonde singing in the choir. They married in February of 1967 and were blessed with two daughters whom he loved dearly. Harlan was a family man, a Christian, and the kindest man you’d ever meet. He would give a stranger the shirt off of his back.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, February 4th at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News from 5:30-7:30pm and a Funeral Service will be held at 12pm on Wednesday, February 5th also at Peninsula Funeral Home with burial to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. A reception will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newport News or the American Cancer Society.
The family would like to offer a sincere thank you to the doctors and nurses at Riverside Hospital and Heartland Hospice.
8 Comments
The Goff girls have fond memories of your family on Wheeler Dr. Mr. Hamby for sure was the sweetest man, always with his big smile! we are praying for you all.
My deepest condolences to the family. Harlan will be missed by his church family.
Our whole family thought so much of Harlan, and the entire family. I loved getting hugs on Sunday mornings from him. He was such a warm, friendly, caring person. He will be missed dearly. My heart is aching, but I’m glad he is not suffering anymore.
My deepest sympathy to his family. I never saw him without a smile on his face. He was a wonderful man, and the best grandfather.
Heaven truly welcomed an Angel in Harlan. He was one of a kind. Like a second father to me growing up, I’ll never forget his constant smile and how he made you feel important even as a little kid. I’m truly devastated for your loss Virginia, Laura and Katherine. Praying that your precious memories will comfort you in the days again, until you can see him again.
Harlan was always ready to help with the PORT shelter for the homeless each and every year. Harlan was one of the kindest and happiest men I’ve ever met and he was so in love with his precious wife. A man to be admired greatly. I shall miss him and his lovely smile. My deepest condolences to his family.
Harlan was a wonderful, caring, and loving person He never complained. He was always willing to help. He was a loving, husband, father, neighbor and Christan. He will be greatly missed.
I met Harlan when Janet and I first began dating 34 years ago. I’ve always been impressed with his selflessness, kindness and caring personality. I will never forget his time and effort spent trying to make Janet’s last years more comfortable while she was bedridden. She was always so grateful.