Mr. Hamby, 72, passed away at home on November 18, 2016. He was born on August 19, 1944, in Lubbock, Texas, a son of the late Virgil Warren Hamby and the late Margaret Bennett Hamby. He was a graduate of Texas State University (formerly South West Texas State University) and worked as a commercial real estate appraiser, certified as an MAI, SRA, and SRPA for 35 years. He also managed oil and gas interests in West Texas.Though he had lived in North Carolina for more than 42 years, Ed considered himself a true Texan and had unique memories of growing up on his family's ranches in New Mexico and Texas. He enjoyed trout fishing at Mt. Massive Lakes in Colorado, but his true passion was flying, which he pursued until his illness made it impossible. He held a private certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings and was qualified in an L-39 jet trainer. Ed enjoyed membership in the T-34 Association, Warbirds, and the Aerostar Owners Association. He served with the Texas Air National Guard.Two years ago Ed was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. He fought a courageous battle, including participation in an experimental stem cell study. He was never bitter about his illness but said recently that he had been lucky and had lived a good life. This illness he said was a "bump in the road".Mr. Hamby is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Brownlee Hamby, his sister Virginia Ann Merrill (Dick) of Greeneville, Tennessee, nephew Larry Warren Reisor (Sheryl) of Austin, Texas, niece Holly Ann Wall (Scott) also of Austin, Texas, brother-in-law Lonnie Brownlee (Belinda) of Pottsboro, Texas, and numerous cousins and dear friends.Visitation will be held at the family home, 2251 Vernon Drive from 5:00 to 7:00 on Friday evening, December 2, 2016. The service to honor the life of Edward Bennett Hamby will be held at 2pm on Saturday, December 3, in the Harry & Bryant "Chapel in the Oaks", 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte 28207.The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Mayo Clinic Multiple System Atrophy Research, Drs. Phillip Low and Wolfgang Singer, Department of Neurology, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 (507/284-2511).Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.