Thomas Hammond

Thomas Edmond Hammond, age 80, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, died June 20, 2017, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2017, at The Word Community Church, with Rob Moore officiating and Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church. He was preceded in death by his father, Watson Hammond; mother, Mary Louise Hammond; and wife of 59 years, Lois Hammond. Survivors include his daughters, Kelly Stazel of Montgomery Ala. and Shelly Cole (Jason) of Northport, Ala.; son, Matt Hammond (Kristy) of Northport, Ala.; sisters, Sue Gilliam (Bob) of San Antonio, Texas and Vicki Robertson (Randy) of Big Spring, Texas; grandchildren, George Thomas Stazel (Cathen) of Clovis, N.M., Max Hammond, Lily Hammond, Izzy Cole, Jackson Rhodes and Graham Summerlin of Northport, Ala.; and great-grandchildren, Jagger Stazel, Merritt Harper Stazel and Slade Stazel of Montgomery, Ala. Tom, also known as “Texas Tom”, was born in Big Spring, Texas in 1936 and graduated from Big Spring High School. Although Tuscaloosa has been his home for the past 40 years and he was an avid Alabama fan, he was always a true Texan at heart and loved the Texas Aggies. After high school, Tom was made a Blue Lodge Texas Mason and was a member for over 50 years. Tom met the love of his life, Lois, at the age of 20 and they were happily married for 59 years until her passing in December of 2016. Tom was also a Marine Corp Veteran and an active member of the Marine Corp League in Tuscaloosa. He moved to Tuscaloosa to become the Chief of Canteen Services at the VA Medical Center. Upon leaving the VA, Tom worked in retail for many years and spent the last 19 years at The Locker Room where he developed many lasting friendships and memories. Anyone who knew Tom knew that he adored his three children and was actively involved in his grandchildren’s interests.  He had a special bond with his two sisters and even though they lived miles apart, their relationship remained strong. Tom never met a stranger and anyone who knew him instantly loved him.  He was a kind-hearted, generous man who would give anyone the shirt off his back if he thought they needed it. Tom was a cowboy at heart who was rarely ever seen without his cowboy hat and boots. He loved country music and attended many concerts and events supporting the country music industry. He was Willie Nelson’s number one fan. His family is at peace knowing that he rededicated his life to Christ and was actively involved in his church, served in the Kairos Prison Ministry and was part of the Emmaus community.  Tom’s family is extremely heartbroken that he is no longer with them but take comfort in knowing he is now with the Lord and reunited with his bride. Pallbearers will be Jason Cole, Rodney Guy, Rodney Connell, Max Hammond, Jackson Rhodes, Rush Crawford and Jack White. Honorary pallbearers are Alex Gatewood, Rush Crawford, Carol Gatewood, Mark Gatewood, Jamie Nunn, Will Stephenson, Sandra Bedwell, Tina Powell, Kirby Brown, Sam Talkington and Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Thames. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.