Mr. Billy Gene Hammonds, also known as “Billy Sampson”, was born on December 28, 1952 to the late Mr. Shelvy Hammonds, Sr. and Mrs. Hattie Lockhart Hammonds. He was one of five children, four boys and one girl. He attended Cavalry Hill School and graduated from Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama. Bill dedicated many years of service in various parts of the community and retired from the Huntsville City Schools System after 14 years of service in 2011. Bill loved to fish, dance, laugh, and enjoyed being around his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of Bill’s hidden talents was his ability to reenact any commercial on TV.
Bill confessed his life to Christ at a young age and joined Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama under the leadership of the late Reverend Dave M. McGlathery. He later joined Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (C.P.C.A) under the leadership of the late Pastor Emerita Endia J. Scruggs.
Bill made peace with God and transitioned to his eternal home on August 23, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama. He was preceded in death by both parents; one sister, Ms. Barbara Hammonds; three brothers: Mr. Glenn “Peter” Hammonds, Mr. Shelvy Hammonds, Jr., and Mr. Carl Hammonds; one daughter, Ms. Felicia Matthews; and one stepson, Mr. Teddy “Bear” Grubbs.
Mr. Billy Gene Hammonds leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Mrs. Sylvia Hammonds; five sons: Mr. Chadwick (Shaunda) Matkins, Huntsville, Alabama, Mr. Derrick Allison, Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Taryon Baker, North Carolina, Mr. Buford Norvel and Mr. Andre Norvel, Huntsville, Alabama; three daughters: Ms. Yolanda Hammonds, Ms. Karen Novel, and Ms. Susie Norvel, all of Huntsville, Alabama; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four aunts; three uncles; and a host of other relatives and friends; four special neighbors who provided friendship and care over the years: Ms. Georgia, Mrs. Juanita Mann, and Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Mary Wocken.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (2403 Oakwood Road, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Elder Debra McGlathery-Holden eulogist. Interment will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery. Mr. Hammonds will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 6, 2024 and 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
