On November 9, 2024 Sammie Ray Hammontree of Marshall, TX left this earth and entered the gates of Heaven to forever be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on August 29, 1945 in Transylvania, LA to parents Brief and Gracie Hammontree.    At the time of his passing in Longview, TX he was surrounded by his family whom he loved very much.  They prayed over him, held his hands, sang, and listened to his favorite gospel hymns in those final bittersweet moments.

Sammie spent the majority of his early years near the Monroe, LA area where he attended Ouachita Parish schools and played basketball in junior high.  His love of sports stayed with him throughout all of his years and has carried on through all of his children and grandchildren.  There was never any doubt who his favorite 3 teams were all these years……..The New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers and most importantly…..whichever team his children or grandchildren were competing on.  He has been their biggest cheerleader from the sideline and stands for over 50 years.  One of the traits his family would like to express about him is that he was always there, always available, and always easy to find – not just at sporting events – but life in general. He certainly blessed his family and friends with the gift of his time.

A veteran, Sammie served in the U.S. Army for 4 years at Ft. Polk and in Germany. When he came back from Germany, his life changed forever when he finally "noticed" his best friend's sister.   Shelia Cagle soon became Shelia Hammontree just a few months later on October 1, 1966.

Sammie was a model employee and worked hard all of his life until he retired from General Motors in Shreveport, LA in 2006 after 27 years of loyal service. He also worked during his early years at Fleeman Flying Service, Selig Manufacturing, and Sunbeam Bread all in Monroe, LA.

In the Bible, James 2:26 tells us that "faith without works is dead". This verse is a great reminder to us that Sammie's faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was real and strong as he lived his life as a devoted Christian while serving others.   He was saved and baptized at Riverside Baptist Church in Bastrop, LA at an early age.  As an adult, he served in many capacities at Calvary Baptist Church in Monroe, LA, Start Baptist Church in Start, LA and Central Baptist Church in Marshall, TX.  Some of these roles included serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, Royal Ambassador boys basketball coach, church van driver and various other duties through the years.

As already mentioned, he loved sports. As a young boy and young adult he was very active and played on many basketball and softball teams.  Later he turned into a long distance runner.  However, his favorite past times were definitely hunting & fishing throughout most of his years of life.   He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed much success in the woods, fields, rivers & lakes.  Some tales and stories may have grown through the years, but many pictures and taxidermy trophies prove his knowledge and skill of the outdoors. Other hobbies and interests included camping, gardening, woodworking, tractors, back porches and coffee.

He is survived by his sweet wife of 58 years  Shelia Hammontree (Marshall, TX),  son and daughter-in-law Sam & Jayme Hammontree (Marshall, TX),  daughter and son-in-law Dianna & Alan Fiveash (Rockwall, TX) as well as many grand children whom he loved dearly: Morgan & husband AJ Benitez, Hunter & wife Rachel Hammontree, Katelyn Boston, Caden Fiveash & Colten Fiveash.

He was preceded in death by his parents Brief and Gracie Hammontree, sisters Hazel Bonner, Jimmy Sue Bienz, Noahlene Jones and infant son Roger Hammontree.

Honorary pall bearers are grandchildren Morgan Benitez, Katelyn Boston, Hunter Hammontree, Caden Fiveash, Colten Fiveash, AJ Benitez, and Rachel Hammontree

Funeral services will be held at Central Baptist Church in Marshall, TX on Saturday November 16, 2024 at 2pm with pastors Jerry Vincent and Wallace Watkins officiating.  Visitation will be immediately prior at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made to one of the following:

The Gideons International P.O. Box 1855 Marshall, TX 75671

St Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place  Memphis, TN 38105