Oliver Lee Hamley

Oliver Lee Hamley, 69, of Huntsville, AL. passed away Tuesday January 5, 2021.

Oliver Lee Hamley, known by friends as O.T., and those closest to him as honey or Dad, was born on December 8^th, 1951 in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Although Tennessee was his birthplace, he would quickly inform if asked, “my home is in Alabama!”  Oliver was born to his Mother, Lorene Hamley and his Father, Raymond Hamley, who had a total of six children.  He was preceded in death by his parents and four of his siblings named: James Hamley, Earl Hamley, Linda Amerson and Larry Hamley.  He has one living sister, Annette Lewis Wales of Elkmont, Alabama.      

Oliver is survived by his wife of 50 years, Toni Hamley, and two sons, Shawn Hamley and Chase Hamley.  Oliver also had a third son (Toni’s brother), perhaps not by blood but certainly in spirit, Mark Slaton, whom has been a member of this family from early childhood and considered a big brother by Shawn and Chase.  Oliver has two daughters-in-law, Karen Hamley and Stephanie Hamley, who he loved and respected greatly. He also had three grandchildren, Emma, Aiden and Jackson Hamley, who all thought the world of Granddaddy.  He loved all his family, especially his grandchildren.  Family was of the utmost importance to him. 

Oliver and Toni met back on her graduation night from high school in Athens, Alabama on a blind date.  Little did they know that their date would turn into an unbreakable bond and loving marriage for fifty wonderful years.

After they were married, Oliver began working for PPG Industries in Huntsville, Alabama, as a production employee.  PPG made specialty glass products for automobile and aircraft applications, among other goods.  After a couple years of working at PPG, Oliver joined the United States Air Force where he served one tour honorably before leaving to go back home to his job at PPG.  At this time Oliver began attending night school at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he would earn a bachelor’s degree in business with honors.  Oliver spent nearly forty years giving his life as a proud PPG employee, where he retired as the senior quality manager of operations. 

Friends were also a large part of O.T.’s life.  He loved to be with people and share stories about the good ole’ days, as well as spend time watching SEC football, the Alabama Crimson Tide specifically.  Many of his friends and family would gather on football Saturdays to take their chances on picking the winning square, or simply cheering on their favorite teams.  He loved anticipating who the next quarter’s winner would be.  Oliver never won near as many as he deserved, but he loved to see other people win.  No matter what it was, football, family or life, he loved to see people succeed and win.  And that was the most special thing about him.

His love for his family and friends never wavered.  He tried to see the good in everything, even though it may be hard to find at times.  He was loyal, trustworthy and reliable.  If someone asked him to help, he did.  If someone needed to talk, he listened.  If someone needed a shake, he shook.  Going out of his way was simply a way of life for Oliver and something he lived to do.  Day in and day out, steady and strong, you could always count on O.T. - no matter what. 

Our loss of Oliver is a hole that will never be filled.  He was and always will be loved.

If anyone would like to make a donation in Oliver's Memory we ask that donations be made to the American Heart Association

https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/donatenow_heart.html?s_src=20U2W1UEMG&s_subsrc=top_nav_button