Paul Melvin Hamby, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with his loving and devoted son, Mark Hamby, by his side at Arbor Oaks Health Care & Rehab in Malvern, AR.

Paul was born on Monday, November 9, 1936, to parents, William Harrison Hamby and Georgia Belle Hamby, in Orange, California.  Later, his family moved back to Arkansas where Paul attended Fayetteville High School through the eleventh grade.  He then joined The United State Air Force where he earned his GED while he honorably served our country. While serving, he was based in Wyoming, Tennessee, and North Africa.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force,  Paul was married in 1961 to Mildred Elaine Fields of Fayetteville, Arkansas for 49 years. They had two children, Mark Aaron Hamby and Raechel Elaine Hamby.

Paul had a long career spanning 34 years at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a warehouse clerk and custodian.  He retired in 2010 after three decades plus years of service.  He enjoyed exercising, staying active, coaching his son in basketball, working in his garden, and when he wasn't working or enjoying his hobbies, he loved reading, studying his Bible and attending church.  He also enjoyed spending time with his wife and family.

Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Elaine Hamby; his father, William Harrison Hamby; his mother, Georgia Belle Hamby; and his brother, Richard Keith Hamby.  He leaves behind his son, Mark Aaron Hamby and daughter-in-law, Terri Hamby of Malvern; AR; daughter, Raechel Elaine Mabry of Franklin, TN; grandson, Aaron Paul Hamby and wife Kaylinn Hamby from Hot Springs, AR; granddaughter, Lyndsey Annette Hamby Franklin and husband Brian Franklin of Benton, AR; granddaughter, Olivia Elaine Hamby of Malvern, AR; grandson, Cole Mabry and granddaughter, Emma Mabry of Franklin, TN; and other family members and caring friends.

Your family you left in this world hates that you are gone, but we are happy that you are in heaven with our Lord and Savior free and painless.  We will always love and miss you until we can meet again in glory!

Celebration of life and visitation will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Thursday, March 16th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Bryant, AR.  A memorial service will be held at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17th.