Benny Hamby, age 78, of Strunk, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Baptist Health in Lexington, Kentucky and was placed in the care of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home.

Private funeral services were held.

He was born on September 22, 1946, in Oneida, Tennessee, Benny was the son of Kelcy and Bernice Anderson Hamby. He dedicated his life to education and community service, earning his bachelor's degree from Cumberland College, his master's degree from Union College, and his Rank I from Eastern Kentucky University. Benny's career was marked by his deep commitment to his students and his passion for helping others grow. He was also a member of the Silerville Baptist Church and a proud member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

In his personal life, Benny enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, hunting, woodworking, and attending bluegrass festivals. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Benny was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he was known for his unwavering love and care for those he held dear.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Kelcy and Bernice Hamby.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Gilreath (and husband, Edd), Emily Genoe (and husband, Kelly), and Rebecca Keith (and husband, Kenneth). His legacy lives on in his grandchildren, Tyler and Kendall Keith, Kelcy and Cammie Gilreath, Amber Griffis (and husband, Ryan), and Chevy Genoe (and wife, Kennedy), as well as his great-grandchildren, Case Keith, Aubriella Griffis, Rynlee Griffis, Autumn Griffis, Claire Genoe, Vivian Genoe, and Holden Genoe.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Benny Hamby.