William Roy Hammond was a man devoted to the family he loved fiercely.  He instilled a strong work ethic in his children.  He nurtured a love for football, fishing and hunting in his boys and a love for God.  Bill gave all he had to insure his family knew he loved them.

Bill Hammond was born November 26, 1932 in Phenix City, Alabama.  He was reared in Americas, Georgia.  He quietly brought his love for all things Georgian to East Texas where we loved him for his accent, his love for the beach and his ability to teach us about life.

Bill's parents were Roy and Grace Hammond.  Bill was an only child but occasionally would talk about his very interesting family including a true Southern Sheriff, a woman college professor living well before her time.  He also had a fascination with his ancestor who sold his land which became home to the White House.

While in the Air Force and after dating for only 4 months, Bill married Dolores Anita Lawrence.  They were married for 59 years.  They had 2 sons, Mark who married Marsha Sanders and David who married Sharon Lowe.  Sadly, we lost Mark 9 years ago and Marsha found love again years later and married Tommy Morton.

Bill loved his grandchildren: Steven, Kevin, Sydney and Bailey Hammond and his great grandchildren: Clayton, Kayleigh, Kaydence, Addison, Greyson, Lorelei and Madelyn Hammond.  He is also survived by an aunt, Jewel Hall of Phenix City, Alabama.

Bill opened Marshall Transfer and Storage in Marshall in 1970.  He had a crew that he was loyal to – who stayed with him in the business for many years.  In later years, Bill worked for Sullivan's Funeral Home and Downs Funeral Home.  After he and Dolores moved to Longview, Bill became the security guard for the Palisades neighborhood.  He enjoyed making many friends in all his endeavors.

Bill Hammond lived a life full of love for family and love for God.  Many times you could expect him to say as he left you, "We love y'all".  And we believe he did.

Bill left this world July 9, 2017 after suffering a massive stroke last Monday.  We loved Bill as a husband, father and grandfather.  We respected him as a man and a teacher of life and we'll remember his lifelong influence in our hearts forever.

Funeral services for Mr. Hammond will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in the chapel of Downs Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in Algoma North Cemetery in Marshall.  There will be a visitation from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 11th at Downs Funeral Home.