James Edward Hammond

January 17, 2017

Mr. James Edward Hammond, 89, died Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at his home. Masonic Rites will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2016 at St. John’s United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Visitation will follow from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and other times at the home. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2017, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Karen Radcliffe officiating. Burial will be at Unity Cemetery. Born in Fort Mill, James was the last survivor of six children born to the late Henry Bazzel Hammond and Bessie Starnes Hammond. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, was life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Eli Bailes American Legion Post 43. He was a life-long member of St. John’s United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Men’s Bible Class where he served as Treasurer for over 40 years. He was also a life member of the Catawba Masonic Lodge No. 56 and a member the York County Crescent Shrine Club and the Hejaz Shrine. James worked for Springs Industries for over 20 years as an overseer, was co-owner of the Fort Mill Gulf Station, and also worked for Package Product for 14 years as a die cutter. After retirement he worked at Wolfe Funeral Home for several years. Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Thelma Kirby Hammond; two daughters, Dianne H. Patterson (Bill) of York and Debbie H. Black of Rock Hill; five grandchildren, Alisha Patterson Curry (Dwayne), James Patterson (Kristen), Christopher Black (Christal), Paul Black (Leah) and Beth Black White (Travis); and seven great-grandchildren, Madeline Curry, Emma Patterson, Sarah Beth Patterson, Addison Black, John Hampton Black, Avery Black and William Black. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry B. Hammond, Jr. and Richard Hammond; and three sisters, Lib Adams, Thelma Duncan and Doris Shealy. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s U.M.C. Building Fund, P.O. Box 1298, Fort Mill, SC 29716; or to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the special care given by Alexia Espinoza, Princess Smith and the Care Team with Hospice & Community Care.