Charles W. "Chuck Or Charlie" Hamrick, Sr.

Charles W. Hamrick, Sr. or “Chuck/Charlie” was born May 28, 1934 in Ripley, West Virginia to Bertha “Betty” Hamrick and Charles McGraw. He grew up poor, helping his grandparents farm the land. He joined the U.S. Army and served in Europe, post WWII. Returning to the States, he ventured to Michigan to find work. He was a handsome, young man with a cool car. He found a job and a girl! He married Shirley Sibley, the love of his life, in 1958 and they had two children, Kathy and Chuck.

Charles worked in skilled trades mostly as a commercial painter. He had a strong work ethic and never missed a day of work. He worked overtime for some of the family’s “luxuries”, for color TV and dishwasher. Yearly family vacations were back to his roots in West Virginia and Ohio, Virginia Beach and camping in Northern Michigan. He and Shirley bought land in Southern Ohio and he built a cottage. He enjoyed the property for nearly 10 years. Summers were spent exploring the hills, little caverns, and swimming in the ice-cold creek. He loved the fact that “boys could be boys”, often taking Chuck and his friends or nephews Joe, Curt, and Shawn. Joe said of his uncle, “He made life fun”.

After retiring, they sold the property and started traveling. They took some cruises, and even swam with the rays, but the most memorable trips were to the National parks, to be a part of nature. They white-water rafted and hiked. Of course, if a state had a casino, they had to visit that too!

Charles had six grandkids in 16 years. He looked forward to tea parties as much as he did high school football games, fishing, and trips to recitals. Never one for the small babies, he cuddled and cooed the great-grandkids, even as infants.

In their later years, they had day trips to see relatives all over the state, dinners with friends, or casino runs. They were huge football fans and happy to see the 2023 success of the Detroit Lions and a first big win after all these years. Michele turned him into a Spartan fan as well.

The last 2 ½ years, Chuck’s memory was fading. He got lost while driving and unhappily never drove again.

Also, at that point he became a full-time caregiver to Shirley for a year and a half until her death in August of 2023. For the past year, he lived comfortably in his home assisted by caregivers, most days on his porch swing watching birds and feeding squirrels. He always believed that “when it’s your time, it’s your time”. His time was September 12, 2024.

Charles “Chuck/Charlie” Hamrick, Sr. of Southgate, Michigan passed away in his home on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Shirley Hamrick. Cherished father of Kathy (Henry) Minkiewicz and Chuck Hamrick, Jr. (Melissa). Loving grandfather of Michael (Kelly) Minkiewicz, Craig (Brittany) Minkiewicz, Douglas Minkiewicz, Drew (Kelly) Minkiewicz, Rachel (Rick) Robinson, and Michele Hamrick. Dear great-grandfather of Ryan, Tessa, Charlotte, Jackson, and Macy Minkiewicz. A new little honey is due at the end of September and they are the first grandchild of his first granddaughter Rachel. Caring uncle of Joe (Tracy) Atkinson, Theresa (John) Musczynski, Curt (Rhonda) Atkinson, and Cindy Atkinson. Adored cousin of Jeannette (Mike) Broad, Kerry (Debbie) Braden, and Sonya. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Bertha “Betty” Moore and Charles McGraw, his sister Shirley Moss, and his nephew Shawn Atkinson.

Special thank-you to his “village”; those that made his last year safe and happy in his own home. Thank you to Cindy, Lisa, Paula, Sheila, Barb, and his caring neighbors. Charles will be deeply missed and forever adored.

Visitation for Charles will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 10915 Allen Road, 48101. The funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. the same day at the funeral home, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown Twp. for a committal service with military honors performed by the Downriver Veterans Honor Guard and then interment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michigan Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Charles’ honor.

Please visit Charles’ online tribute wall to share memories and leave condolences for his family.