Hambone Corn Chowder

Name: Hambone Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 1 ham bone (- as much meat removed as possible); 8 cups water (- If you don't have a ham bone substitute 8 cups of chicken broth for the bone and water); 8 slices thick-cut bacon (- cut into small squares); 1 large sweet onion (- chopped); 2 celery ribs (- sliced); 1 large parsnip (- diced); 1 large russet potato (- cubed); 2 cups chopped or cubed ham; 3 cups sweet corn; 6 cups whole milk; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 cup flour; freshly ground black pepper to taste