Thomas Hammett Sr.

Thomas Bennett Hammett Sr., 94, of Spartanburg, SC, died Wednesday, January 13, 2016, in Tulsa, OK. Tommy (or "Great" as his grandchildren called him) was born December 10, 1921, on his grandparents' farm in Spartanburg. He was raised on the farm by his mother Flora "Mumsy" (Bennett) Hammett and was proud of the fact that he lived at his birthplace his entire life. In 1938 not only did he graduate from Spartanburg High School but he played in the American Legion World Series with his team traveling to California by train. On May 17, 1941, Tommy was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart Helen Cecil Gore in Spartanburg. He worked for the Railway Express Agency until entering the U. S. Navy. During World War II, he served in the South Pacific on the PT 120 Boat until his honorable discharge. Once home he returned to his Railway Express job before starting his career with the Southern Railway, retiring after 25 years of faithful service. Once retired Tommy and Helen ("Nonie" as she was affectionately known) traveled and camped extensively, taking one memorable trip to Seattle and back that lasted six months. They often camped in Florida and took many memorable trips to visit the kids and grandkids in far-off destinations. Nonie preceded Tommy in death in 2009. Tommy had many passions in life that centered on his family and church. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist church in Spartanburg. Tommy and his wife were active in the church, and especially busy with the Golden Fellowship and crafting. As a deacon, Tommy would assist elderly members with shopping. He was also known as Mr. Fix-it and was always looking for something to do outside or to help others in any way he could. His kind spirit, generous heart, and helpful hands will be dearly missed. Tommy is survived by his two children, Tana McGraw and Marshall of Dewey, OK and Tim Hammett and Mickey of Athens, Georgia; one daughter-in-law, Jane Hammett of Brigham City, Utah; three grandchildren, Tracy Morrison and Rob of Bartlesville, OK, Marlo Dillsaver and Jeff of Dewey, OK, and John Pack and Cheeka of Mobile, AL; and six great-grandchildren, Abbey Grimes, Jarrett Dillsaver, Emma Dillsaver, Alex Morrison, Bella Morrison and Bennett "Ben" Dillsaver. He is preceded in death by his mother; one son, Tom Hammett Jr.; and one sister, Francis Williams. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, January 21, 2016, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Friday, January 22, 2016, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, by the Rev. Danny Garrett. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas B. Hammett Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.