(1951 – 2019)
Richard L. Hambley of Auburn, died on August 22, 2019, following an extended illness. Born in Chattanooga, Hambley spent his formative years in Huntsville and graduated from Lee High School in 1969. After completing coursework at Jefferson State Junior College in Birmingham, he enrolled at Auburn University, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1973.
Hambley’s blood ran deep blue and orange, and the focus of his life and work was the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University, where he completed a 39-year career as a graphic designer. Even before his full-time employment in 1976, he worked for Extension as a student employee.
He was by all counts, one of the most beloved and valued employees in Extension, working with Extension faculty from many disciplines to design logos, educational leaflets and flyers, publications, and a variety of other educational products. Hambley was recognized by the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents for his long and unfailing service to the agricultural staff employed throughout the state. This high regard for Hambley’s talents and professional devotion was shared by many Extension employees.
He was known for dropping everything on a moment’s notice to assist employees with quick turnaround projects, sometimes working into the night to meet their deadlines.
He was active in the Alabama Extension Specialists Association and the Alabama Association of County Agriculture Agents and Specialists.
Hambley was a person of strong individualistic temperament who lived by his own rules, but he is also remembered by all who knew him as a deeply committed and steadfast friend as well as a compassionate soul who was ready and willing to lend a sympathetic ear or a helping hand to anyone in need.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. and Peggy Hill Hambley, and survived by his brother, Bobby Hambley (Andrea) and sister Kit H. Dameron (Larry), and one niece and three nephews.
The Alpha Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi honors and remembers Richard L. Hambley by placing his name on the dedicatory plaque of the Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 641
