Mr. James Ray Hammond

Mr. James Ray Hammond, 87, of Mt. Airy passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. He was born in Herkimer County, NY on May 7, 1925 to the late Earl and Marguerite Egan Hammond. He served our country in the U.S. Marines during WWII in the South Pacific. He married the late Ruth Kirby in 1947. Mr. Hammond worked as an apprentice under his father as a Tool and Die Maker in Remington Typewriter, Ilion, NY. As a young man bred, trained and showed Blue Merle Collies. Worked at Univac, Utica, NY. Owned and Operated the Redwood Drive Inn Restaurant in Mohawk, NY. Mr. Hammond was Mayor of Mokawk, NY from March 7, 1967 to March 3, 1969. He was very active in the Republican Party in the State of NY and all his life. He married Carol O'Connor in 1989. He has resided in Mt. Airy since 2002. He is survived by his wife, Carol Leya Hammond of the home; two daughters, Egan Hammond and Jama Hammond both of Charlotte; stepsons, Tim and Christine O'Connor of Clemmons, Chris and Barbara O'Connor of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Sarah and Joseph O'Connor, Samatha and Kristina O'Connor; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, and first wife, Mr. Hammond was preceded in death by sisters, Ida Jane Hammond Quackenbush, and Herberta Hammond Daley. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard E. Bakley officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael the Archangel 2211 Margaret Wallace Rd., Matthews, NC 28105. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.