Obituary of Robert "Bob" E. Hammond

Robert E. (Bob) Hammond of West Columbia, SC, died peacefully Wednesday evening, September 8, 2021, at Hospice House in Lexington. Born March 25, 1932, in Hopkins, SC, Bob was the son of the late English Hammond and Vera (Altman) Hammond.

Bob served state-side in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Ranking as Staff Sergeant, he worked as a weatherman with the 157^th Forecasting Observing Flight of the Air National Guard. After service, Bob’s lifelong career was in the food business. He worked with Thomas & Howard Company and enjoyed being co-owner and operator of Red & White Food Stores at Forest Drive and Beltline at Devine, where he met his future wife. After retirement, Bob enjoyed working at IGA (Shumpert Oil Co.) in Pelion. Affectionately known as “Mr. Bobby,” he held monthly BINGO for the senior citizens there and worked on special promotions for the store. Bob enjoyed interacting with people, whether it was at the grocery store, or in church, or at yard sales. He loved working in his yard and caring for all his plants. After retirement, he loved cooking for others, especially his wife. Anyone who knew him can testify that Bob stood soundly in the foundation of the Church and carried out his life activities as a steward of the Christian faith. He served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and member of various Church committees. In addition to being a member of Springdale Baptist Church, Bob was a member of the American Legion and a 32^nd degree Mason.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty-one years, Annette Covington Hammond; a son, Robert E. (Robbie) Hammond, Jr. of Pickens, SC, and other sons Brian Gillespie of Blythewood, SC, James Gillespie of West Columbia, SC, Cecil Chandler of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Michael (Mike) Chandler of Pelion, SC; grandchildren Tara Sessions, Hayley Hammond, Ericka Hammond, Anna Gillespie, Hunter Gillespie, Jeff Chandler, Michael Chandler, and Monica Chandler; Great-Grandchildren Jesse Sessions, River Sessions, Braxton Hammer, Levi Hammer, Vera Grace Chandler, Tucker Chandler, and Michael Chandler, and many other loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother English Gary Hammond, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 13, 2021, at Springdale Baptist Church, West Columbia, SC, with Pastor Tommy McGill officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the church one hour prior to the service. Masks are encouraged for the protection of all. Burial will be private at a later time. Memorial donations may be made to Springdale Baptist Church (bus fund), Pets Inc., or charity of choice.