Michael Forrest Hambrick

Loving husband, father, and grandfather, Michael Forrest Hambrick, 71, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice West after a long illness. Mike was born in Wriston, West Virginia, on April 19, 1952 to Charles S. and Evelyn Hambrick.  

Shortly after graduating from Collins High School in 1970, Mike enlisted in the Air Force.  After basic training, he was assigned to the Technical Training Center at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi.  He was deeply patriotic and loved serving his country as an Electronic Computer Systems  Specialist. He always said it was the best job he ever had.  After his military service, he worked for Memorex Telex, IBM, BD&E and Mosler Safes.  Mike also had a wide variety of experience with banking and commercial security equipment, large vaults and a vast knowledge of building and designing banks.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Stacey Lyn Hambrick, parents, sister, Nancy Pat Hambrick, brothers Charles (Chuck) and Robert; and his best friend, Freddy (his Dachshund).

Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Loretta Bailey Hambrick; his children Jeff Hambrick (Jennifer) of Winfield, daughter Shannon Hambrick of Charleston; granddaughter, Kayla Wagner (West) of Covington, Kentucky; two great-grandchildren, Kieran and Eastlyn Wagner. Two special granddaughters, Karlie Melvin and Kayla Lowe.  In addition to blood relatives, Mike was blessed to be called “Poppy” by his bonus grandchildren, Bridget, Payton and Henry Moyer. All of whom brought him much laughter, joy and happiness.

Mike loved camping with family and bowling.  He was a proud lifelong Mountaineer fan. He had no problem sharing his love, wisdom, and generosity with everyone he knew and even those he didn’t.  He never met a stranger.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with his desire to always help others, donations to the Beckley VA Medical Center for Homeless Veterans, 200 Veterans Avenue, Beckley, WV 25801.