Morris Wayne Hammer, 82, died June 7, 2021, in Huntsville, Alabama. Born to Reta Huggins Hammer and Raymond Hutcheson Hammer in Stamford, Texas, Morris was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas R. Hammer. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Davis Hammer; his children, Melanie Murray (Rhett), Allen Hammer (Shelby), and Sarah Tucker (Robbie); grandchildren/golf cart drivers, Blake Murray (Emily), Capt. Davis Murray (Allison), Robert Murray, David Hammer, Dollie Meredith Murray, Elizabeth Hammer, Luke Tucker, Lillie Kathleen Tucker, Melanie Jane Tucker and Ozgur Gencdur; sisters-in-law, Janice Hammer, Becky Brown (Stephen), and Kathie Cox (Ed); and six nieces and nephews.
A University of North Texas graduate in Mathematics and Physics, Morris was Lt. Commander of Sigma Nu Fraternity. His work as a Control Systems engineer for 42 years included Apollo program, Skylab program, High Energy Astronomical Observatory, Hubble Observatory, and Advanced Xray Astronomical Observatory. He worked on teams that developed Simulation for Saturn V and the Shuttle/Orbiter and developed Models for Control Systems for Digital Controller Analyses.
Morris’ passion for golf took him several days a week to his favorite course, RTJ at Hampton Cove, where he lived out Penick’s admonition to golfers to “Be brave if you lose and meek if you win.” A scratch golfer, he played many courses in the U.S., although a highlight was St. Andrews in Scotland. Preferring to carry his own bag and walk the courses, he studied, mapped, analyzed, and recorded details.
Morris was a deacon and elder at First Presbyterian Church, participating in the Chancel Choir, LOGOS Bible study, Evangelism Committee, and Worship Committee. He co-chaired the North Alabama Presbytery South African Task Force, traveling to South Africa three times on mission trips. Also, he participated in relief mission trips in the U.S. as well as in North Alabama Presbytery Peacemaking Commission.
With his dry wit and gentle nature, Morris steadfastly tutored his grandchildren in math and physics, whether or not they were enthusiastic learners, intending to instill in them his own love of math. He also tutored at MLK elementary school.
A memorial service will be held at 10 o’clock a.m. on Monday, June 14, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 307 Gates Ave., Huntsville, AL.
Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry at First Presbyterian or the teacher/scholarship program at U.S. Space and Rocket Center (https://rocketcenterfoundation.org/donate/).
