Joseph Elmer Hammond, Jr.
Joseph E. Hammond, Jr. (Sir) 70, husband of Susan M. Hammond, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
He was born in Washington D. C. and was the son of the late Sgt. Joseph E. Hammond, Sr. and the late Ruth Gilbert Hammond. In addition to his wife Susan (Wanda Sue) of 48 years, he will be missed by his son Joseph E. Hammond, III (Little Buddy) and his wife Elisabeth (Yankee); grandchildren Lisabella (Little Relative) and Tristan Joseph (Quattro); sister Julia Reams and her husband David; Nephew Matthew Reams, his wife Amy and children Owen and Evelyn; Niece Melissa Reams; brother-in-law Willard Meeks, his wife Page and children Trea and Michael, and numerous others.
Joseph served in the United States Army as senior analyst for the Army Security Agency. Upon leaving the Army he worked for several years as an OSHA Safety Specialist for Daniel Construction, and then Joseph accepted the call to Ministry. Upon completion of Ministerial Studies at Duke University Joseph served at Collierstown Charge, Laurel Park, Rehobeth Parrish, Gloucester-Matthews, and Carson United Methodist Church. He retired from active ministry, and then was asked by his District Superintendent to become retired temporary minister for Centenary United Methodist Church in Chesterfield. He wanted Joseph to help them in their struggles to rebuild after a devastating fire. Joseph was instrumental in helping the church remain open and expertly led them through all the steps to achieve their goal of rebuilding the church through his ability to maintain detente. Upon retiring for the final time, he and his wife moved “back to the mountains” of Roanoke, VA. to be near his family and where he loved hunting and fishing. He was slowly recovering from an accidental fall at Douthat State Park, and was looking forward to being able to go fishing again.
Joseph was a Mason and served as Worshipful Master at the Kilmarnock Lodge. He facilitated at many weddings and baptisms, married his son to Elisabeth, got to baptize both of his grandchildren, and officiated in the “shotgun” wedding of his best friend and special brother Craig Hayden to Maryhelen. Joseph often utilized his unique gift of being able to help those in bereavement over the passing of a family member. We are trying to do the same for him even though we lack his skills. Joseph was a brilliant theologian and his wife, family, and congregations would say that they Never heard a boring sermon!!! His uncanny ability to weave personal stories and events into the relevancy of Scripture was nothing short of amazing. He led his congregations with finesse and adherence to the Methodist doctrine, and his children’s stories were enjoyed by the whole congregation. He had a very pragmatic view of life’s circumstances-which often exasperated his wife!
Above all else, Joseph brought the Word to people and people to the Lord-well done good and faithful servant! Rev.
Wayne Moore, another best friend, and Rev. Mary Dadisman will conduct a brief memorial service at Carson United Methodist Church in Carson, VA. on Saturday, September 18, at 1:00 p. m.
Per his wishes Joseph will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707.
