George W. Hamma

George W. Hamma SANTEE - George William Hamma, 70, of Santee Cooper Resort, Santee, South Carolina, husband of Dee Hamma, entered into eternal rest on the evening of September 3, 2011. He was born May 3, 1941, in Yakima, Washington, the son of the late Pete and Katherine Hamma. While his accomplishments are many, he was especially proud of his devotion to the U.S. Air Force where he served for 23 years and retired a Master Sergeant. George continued his loyalty to the military by working for a contractor for the Department of Defense in the Middle East for several years after his retirement. George is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Dee Hamma; his dearest and lifelong friend, Judy Rubertino, and found life's riches in helping raise Angela Rubertino and his godchild Elyssa Rubertino. He is additionally survived by his sisters, Patricia Deaton and Bonnie Wong, his sister-in-law Lynn (Martin) Rood and his nephews. George greatly enjoyed baseball games, boating, and barbecues, as well walking his dog Trystan, and watching television with his two cats, Big Boy and Little Girl. He also liked playing cards and was an avid bocci ball player. He has touched the lives of so many friends, family, and neighbors, as he resided in many cities around the world. He will be dearly missed by those who felt his kindness, generosity, and love. George's witty character and uplifting spirit brightened all of our lives and will remain with us forever in our hearts. A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Avinger Funeral home, Holly Hill. There will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bladder Cancer Research, The Director, The National Cancer Institute, Building 31, Room 11A-16, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, or to a charity of one's choice.