Andrew Anthony Hames

Andy was a hardworking Marine who could play any instrument and brightened every room he entered. Born in Plant City, Florida, to Heather (Lasiewicki) Hames and Dennis Hames, Andy graduated from Plant City High School in 2021, where he was active in the symphonic, jazz, and marching bands, as well as the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.

Nicknamed “Baby Taz” by the family, Andy was born with a wild spirit, riding with his dad on the motorcycle or in his ’68 Camaro. When he wasn’t feeling the horsepower, he played with his trucks in the driveway, climbed trees, and pedaled around the property on his unicycle. Born into a traveling family, Andy loved the mountains from a young age, from Tennessee to Alaska.

Enlisting in the Marine Corps at 19, Andy continued to pursue his love of music, playing the tuba and sousaphone for the 2nd Division Marine Band and the Rampage Jazz Band, where he performed at professional football games, Mardi Gras, local high schools, and even for foreign dignitaries in France, Germany, and Senegal. Andy’s time in the Marines was deeply meaningful to him, and he often spoke of the family he gained in service.

After his enlistment term ended, Andy returned home to Tampa to plan an extended backpacking trip across Europe. He made friends and memories as he zigzagged across the continent, forging connections the way only Andy could. Reluctant to end the trip but excited to begin the next phase of his life, Andy settled back into Tampa and worked at Dancing Goat Farm and at Smoothie King with his brother and sister. It didn’t take long for his good nature and sense of humor to make him a beloved part of the team.

Although his post-service time was brief, Andy packed in the experiences of a lifetime: traveling the world, reconnecting with old friends, playing gigs, performing at an alumni concert with his high school band, spending time with family, and playing video games. His last day was spent playing the tuba and socializing with his bandmates, a fitting end to a life well lived.

Andy is survived by his mother, Heather, and brother Austin of Tampa; his sister Autumn of Temple Terrace; grandparents Tim and Milessa (Dunlop) of Tennessee; aunts Angela (Palmreuter) of Michigan, Rachel (Benjamin) of Bradenton, and Debi (Fitzpatrick) of Frostproof; uncles Eric and Erin (Lasiewicki) of Michigan and Micheal (Fitzpatrick) of Frostproof; cousins Tessa, Anthony, Erin Junior, Bryce, Abbygail, Chase, Preston (Lasiewicki) of Michigan, and Eric (Fitzpatrick) of Fort Lauderdale; his girlfriend Julia (Boettger) of Temple Terrace; and many more great aunts and uncles, cousins scattered across the country, and friends around the world.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dennis of Plant City; grandparents Charles and Agnes (Hames) of Frostproof and Dale (Lasiewicki) of Michigan; and cousin Shawn (Fitzpatrick) of Port Saint Lucie.

A gathering of family and friends, along with military honors, will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Terrace Oaks Chapel (12690 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617) from 10:30 to 12:30 on Saturday, May 16th, followed by a picnic at Riverhills Park (329 S Riverhills Dr, Temple Terrace, FL 33617) overflow parking will be available at Riverhills Elementary School.

Andy’s musical friends are welcome to bring their instruments. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Recycled Tunes (https://www.recycledtunesflorida.com/).