My sister wrote the following after our father died on Sunday afternoon.

I could add a million more, so many wonderful memories with this man. I love him more than words can express. He was the best example of a man who always strived to do right. He was God-fearing, kind, loving, patient, funny and full of life until the last.

I got the call at 11:49 this morning that Daddy wasn’t waking up & had the car loaded and on the road at 12:15. I prayed the entire drive up for God to fill me with peace. I crawled into bed with him as soon as I got here, told him how much we loved him and that we were all going to be okay; he could go home. I will treasure the next 2 hours for the rest of my life. I played his favorite song, What a Wonderful World and Tim and family walked through the door. He said a prayer over us and Daddy took his last breath. It was absolutely beautiful.

I thank God for the 22 months I got to spend spoiling him after his doctor gave him 3-6 months in March 2020. I’m thankful for my husband who the house going while I was gone more than I was home. I’m thankful to my kids for understanding how important it was for me to be here instead of there. I’m thankful for Donna, it’s been a rocky road from the start, but we’ve come a long way over the past year & I’ll be here for her as I know she will be for me. I know that has given Dad peace.

We had many wonderful conversations about so many things. The one that sticks out in my mind at this moment was something Dad pondered. He was 95% sure there were no sticker burrs in heaven, couldn’t be 100% sure of anything. Now he knows

He is no longer struggling for breath, no longer frustrated that he could not longer do what he enjoyed doing, no longer imprisioned in a broken body with a young mind & spirit. He is in the arms of Jesus, reunited with his son, Stoke Hammons, his mother, father, brother & sister, my momma & a multitude of his dearest friends. The celebration must be huge! I love you, Daddy, times a billion. You’re always in my heart. 

All photos are copyright © Timothy J. Hammons, 2022.