John William “Bill” Ham, age 82, died very peacefully in his Atlanta home on January 2, 2021, surrounded by his family. Bill was born September 28, 1938, in Birmingham, Alabama, but soon moved at a young age to the “Loveliest Village on the Plains”- Auburn, Alabama, where he grew up. After graduating from Lee County High School, Bill graduated from Auburn University where he was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. It was at Auburn that he met his beloved wife of 61 years, Nancy Dreger Ham, of Atlanta. In 1960, Bill was commissioned into the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. During his 2 years active duty, he participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Bill joined The Trust Company of Georgia where he was a Senior Vice President. The Trust Company was his first business love to which he remained loyal. Bill joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Financial Management office in 1990 and worked there for 20 years until his retirement. He was always actively involved in his children’s lives and was committed to helping mold all young people’s lives through YMCA Indian Guides, Scouts, or coaching baseball. Bill enjoyed traveling, sports (particularly Auburn football), being a member of the Buckhead 50 and was very devoted to his spiritual life at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Dreger Ham, children, Sarah C. “Kay” Hall of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and John W. “Johnny” Ham, Jr., of Atlanta and 4 grandchildren, William Taylor Hall (Caitlyn) and Philip Jordan Hall of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and John W. “Billy” Ham, III, and Meghan Kathleen Ham of Atlanta, Georgia. It was Bill’s unwavering dedication to his family that was his life’s work. He was their adored husband, father and grandfather “Goggie.” Bill is also survived by his loving sister, Sue Ham Eilers (Rich) of Burke, Virginia, and his brother, John Charles “Jack” Ham (Melissa) of Birmingham, Alabama, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Ham Neal. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held through a socially-distanced service on January 7, 2021, 2:00 pm, at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, Georgia. We would like to thank Seasons Hospice for the exceptional care they provided – allowing us to keep our loved one at home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to your choice of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church or Wounded Warrior Project. WAR EAGLE!
