George G. Hammonds

George G. Hammonds, age 57, died Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at home. Mr. Hammonds was a Kingsport native and the son of George Raymond Hammonds, of Nevada, and Dorothy Banner Boyd, of Erwin, TN. He was a U. S. Air Force veteran, having served as a jet aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam era. Mr. Hammonds had a deep passion for playing music. During his career he played bass guitar in bands such as: The Groovemasters, Little Chicago, Blues Hangover, Billy Crawford Band, Lightning Charlie and the Upsetters, and King Moon Racer. In addition to his parents, survivors include: his wife, Anne Fugate Hammonds, of the home; son, Steve, of Mt. Carmel; four grandchildren, Reese, Jared, Tori, and Christina, all of Mt. Carmel; a sister, Donna Callahan, of Kingsport; several nieces and nephews and his special companions Buddy, Coonie and Squizzie. He was also 'Uncle George' to three other special children: Tyler, Sidney, and Sam. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 8:00 pm in the Morris-Baker North Chapel. Mr. Billy Crawford will officiate. Pallbearers will be: Phil Leonard, Charlie Dolinger, Gene Younce, Chuck Leamon, Fred Johnson, and Mike Ketron. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Webb and Ron Baisden. Committal services will be conducted 11:00 am Friday from the U.S. National Cemetery at Mountain Home. Family and friends will meet at Morris-Baker by 10:30 am Friday to go in procession to the cemetery for those services. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post 3382. At Mr. Hammonds request, a special celebration will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Down Home, 300 W. Main Street, Johnson City. This will be a gathering in honor of his life featuring music by many of his bandmates and close friends. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the George Hammonds Memorial Fund, 118 Rock House Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659.