Raymond Hamill

Ray L. Hamill passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2023. He was loved and supported by his family – Lenore Hamill (Rutana), Robert Hamill (Lyndsey) of Des Moines, Ian Hamill of Des Moines, Chris Hamill (Stephanie) of Fall City, WA, Krissi Hoyt (Nate) of Franklin, TN, Jeremy Sander (Jamie) of Chesterfield, MO, his former wife Carol Hamill (Duckworth) of Des Moines, and eight grandchildren –  Liam, Claire, Isla, Jacob, Alex, Max, Audrey, and Jade.

Ray graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969 and attended Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA. He spent the first half of his career working alongside his parents E. Ray and Betty Hamill at their family business - Ackerman Auto Parts – a Midwest brake and caliper manufacturing company.  He enjoyed creating the company's catalogs and integrating computer technology into the business. The second half of his career was spent as a certified National Strength and Conditioning Association personal trainer with his own studio – Sports & Fitness Training. During that time he also managed another family business - Morning Light Bookstore - with Lenore.  He retired from personal training in early 2020. Ray believed in “all natural” holistic personal fitness and tracked his nutrition and workouts for himself and his clients.

Ray competed in powerlifting meets and was proud of his success over thirty years in competitive weightlifting. His home is filled with dozens of trophies from his powerlifting years. As his children grew, he competed less and focused more of his time encouraging and coaching them in sports (basketball, baseball, track & field, and football) and personal fitness. He was especially proud of the academic and athletic achievements of each of his children. His other hobbies included artwork - creating paintings and building models - reading military history, and spending time at home with his dogs.

His storytelling, encouragement and support will be greatly missed. Memorial Services to be held at a later date will be posted on the Caldwell Parrish website.