Dr. William Hanson Hammonds

Dr. William Hanson Hammonds passed away Jan. 13, 2022, at home in Gulf Breeze, Fla. A native of Christian County, Ky., he was born May 6, 1932, in Crofton, Ky. A standout varsity basketball player at Crofton High School, Bill turned down a college scholarship to enlist in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his enlistment, he returned to Christian County to attend Bethel College, Hopkinsville, Ky., where he met his future wife, Carolyn Carter. From there, Bill began his education for ministry at Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky. The first ordination of a minister in the history of Crofton Christian Church, Crofton, Ky., took place on June 17, 1956, when Bill was ordained into Christian ministry. He had joined the congregation at the age of 15 (three years after the death of his father), served as a deacon when he was 17, and became an elder at age 21. Bill continued his education by earning his AB degree in Philosophy at the University of Georgia, his Masters degree at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, and his doctorate at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

During the 66 years of his career with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bill served 11 churches in four regions: Crockett Mills, Tenn.; Newport, Ark.; Watkinsville, Ga.; Pembroke, Ky./Sinking Fork, Ky.; Humboldt, Tenn.; Athens, Ga.; Danville, Ky.; Blytheville, Ark.; and Macon, Ga. He wrote and delivered thousands of sermons, preaching at least once a week and was invited to speak at countless revivals throughout the south. Bill was a speaker and seminar leader at state assemblies and conventions as well as the world convention of Christian Churches in Mexico City, Mexico.

Bill’s professional contributions included serving on the State Boards of the Christian Church throughout the years in addition to president of local Ministers Associations. He held a lengthy tenure on the Commission on the Ministry as well as the board of the Christian College of Georgia. He was the college advisor for church conferences in Georgia in addition to camp director and state coordinator for youth camps. He and Carolyn served as co-presidents of the Ministers and Mates in Georgia for several terms. Bill enjoyed his participation in local civic clubs, especially the Athens Toastmasters Club of which he was president. He took pride in the club’s award of state championship (Outstanding Club) three years in a row. Bill was also honored to receive the title of Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky and the Commonwealth of Kentucky in recognition of his accomplishments and outstanding service to his community, state and nation.

His retirement from full-time ministry brought opportunities to serve as interim pastor to several congregations as well as plenty of time for golf. With his sharp wit and playful sense of humor, Bill enjoyed the friendships he’d made from childhood to professional life, many captured in the two books he wrote in retirement.

Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carolyn Hammonds, of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; children, Catherine Hicks of Destin, Fla., Laurie Nash (Rick) of Marietta, Ga., Amy Compton (Joe) of Independence, Ky., and Matthew Hammonds (Ashlee) of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; grandchildren, Jared Compton (Kiersten), Alec Nash, Will Compton, Hannah Hammonds, Collin Hammonds, Hadley Hammonds, and Henry Hammonds; nephew, Larry R. Richardson (Roberta), and niece, Linda R. Harris (Bill). He was preceded in death by his parents, George William and Ruby Hammonds; his sister, Alma Richardson and brother-in-law Ray Richardson; and son-in-law, Steve Hicks.

A graveside service will be held at the Ridgetop Cemetery in Crofton, Ky. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Macon, Ga. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Week of Compassion benefiting victims of the tornado in western Kentucky: Week of Compassion, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or www.weekofcompassion.org

Hughart, Beard & Giles Funeral Home of Hopkinsville, Ky., is in charge of the arrangements.