Emily J Hamby died peacefully in her home September 7, 2021, with her husband by her side. Emily was born in Lakeland, Florida on September 26, 1938, to Ben and Elva Hull. On September 10, 1961, she married Joe R Hamby. They were married for 60 years. Emily received her bachelor’s in business from Mercer University, Macon, Georgia and worked in the purchasing department for 10 years. In 1981 she accepted the associate director position at the University of Florida, later she became the purchasing director. She retired in 2004 after 22 years with the university. After retirement she volunteered as a docent at the Butterfly Rainforest and the Harn museum. She enjoyed travel and her many river cruises in Europe and China. She is survived by her husband, Joe Hamby, her son, Bob and wife Joy Hamby of Lizella Georgia, her sister Jackie Kurtz, Greensboro, NC, 3 grandsons, Kevin Willis, Joe Willis, and David Hamby, 2 grandsons as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter Susan Kaye Willis, mother and father Elva and Ben Hull and sister Bettyanne Martin. Emily’s funeral service will be held at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23′ Avenue, Gainesville, Florida on September 11 at 1:00 PM. There will be a gathering of family and friends at the chapel at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made to the Alzheimer Association. Following the service there will be a family and friends gathering at Debra and Terry Martin-Back’s home at 10930 NW 9th Place, Gainesville.
