William L Hammock

William Lawrence (Bill) Hammock passed away on Saturday, November 7, at his home in Elkins Lake. He was born June 30, 1934, the 5th child of Henry Carson Hammock & Ruby Lee Crumbley Hammock in Henry County, GA. He graduated from McDonough High School, McDonough, GA, where, as a senior, he was co-captain of the school’s first football team and was named “Mr. McDonough High School.” Bill served in the United States Navy from 1953-1957 aboard the USS Pocono. After rigorous Diver School training, he earned the distinction of becoming the only qualified diver on the ship. In 1960 Bill received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Xi Sigma Pi Forestry Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi. That same year he married Juanita Grantham. They were blessed with 54 wonderful years of marriage. He began his career as Forester & later Area Manager with Georgia Kraft Company. Then in 1970 he became Wood Procurement & Marketing Manager for the Weyerhaeuser Company. In 1973, he, Juanita, and their three children moved to Huntsville, TX, where he began his 24 year career with Champion International Corporation. Upon his retirement in 1997, he was Vice President & General Manager, Gulf States Operations, Champion Timberlands. Professionally he served as President of the Texas Forestry Association, President of the Texas Reforestation Foundation, and was on the Board of Directors of the American Pulpwood Association. An active Baptist and ordained deacon, Bill served in numerous leadership positions in the churches of the communities in which his family lived. His heart lay in teaching Children’s Sunday School, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Bill.” He also served several terms on the Board of Directors of East Texas Baptist University. At the time of his death he was a faithful member of Elkins Lake Baptist Church in Huntsville. Bill always felt the need to be involved in the community. He is a past President of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and a past Director of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Huntsville was a two-term member of the Huntsville City Council and a board member of the Walker County Hospital District. Following his retirement, he and Juanita did extensive traveling, including a number of cruises and overseas trips, as well as traveling throughout most of the United States. An avid outdoorsman, he also spent much time on his “tree farm” south of town. He often remarked that he went out daily to “watch his trees grow.” It was there he had his garden, camp house, workshop, and deer stands. It became a favorite spot for him to entertain and enjoy his three precious grandchildren who loved spending nights in the camp house and having “Papa” cook their breakfast! In his workshop he built furniture for each of his dearly-loved children and grandchildren. It was also a place where extended family and friends were welcomed. Bill Hammock was a quiet, generous, unassuming Christian gentleman; a devoted husband; a proud father and grandfather and a trusted friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Robert Henry Hammock. Survivors include: his beloved wife of 54 years, Juanita Grantham Hammock, daughters Dr. Lauren Anita Hammock and husband, Andrew Lewinter; Leigh Elizabeth Hammock McMillan and husband, Scott McMillan; and son, Paul William Hammock. Grandchildren are Hannah Elizabeth McMillan, Caleb Scott McMillan, and Tanner William Hammock. He is also survived by sisters Hazel Gardner, Mary Jo Leverette, Ann Gardner, and Linda Branan; brothers Jimmy Hammock, and Larry Hammock, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers include David Baggett, Bill Larrison, John Cooper, Philip Knight, Eric Watson, Noah Speer, Dr. Lowell Rollins, Jerry Phillips, Chris Mahlen, and Scott Williams. Honorary Pallbearers include Dr. Bobby Marks, Robert McCann, Sonny Sikes, Bill Krick, Erich Krumm, Joe Shaw, Dr. Alvin Jones and Doug Prewitt. A celebration of is life will be held on Tuesday, November 10, at 2:00p.m. at Elkins Lake Baptist Church in Huntsville. Burial will be in the Mayes Addition, Oakwood Cemetery, Huntsville. Visitation will be on Monday, November 9, from 6-8p.m. at Elkins Lake Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Children’s Ministry of Elkins Lake Baptist Church, 206 State Hwy 19, Huntsville, Texas 77340; or to Covenant Fellowship Church Building Fund, 1211 Financial Plaza #1, Huntsville, Texas 77340. Full obituary may be viewed and memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.

William L Hammock

June 30, 1934 - November 7, 2015