Houston Evins Hamm, 89, of Huntsville, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Mr. Hamm was a lifelong resident of Huntsville and the son of William Grady Hamm, Sr. and Ladye Evins Hamm. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1949 as valedictorian of his class. In 1953, he graduated with honors from Washington and Lee University, where he received a B.A. degree, served on the student governing committee and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1958 where he was a member of the Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif for academic excellence. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.
Mr. Hamm engaged in the private practice of law in Huntsville for 33 years, at which time he was appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge and later a Senior Federal Administrative Law Judge, retiring in 2005. During his practice of law, he received the highest ratings for legal ability.
He was a member of the Alabama State Bar Association and the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association, serving as its president in 1979-80. He was a special judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Huntsville and was a founding and long-time member of the board of the Legal Aid Society of Madison County.
Mr. Hamm was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church serving in many capacities, including Chairman of the Deacons, Elder and Clerk of Session and President of the Trustees. He was also a high school PTA president, youth baseball and basketball coach and a Scout leader.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, enjoying family gatherings and vacations. He also enjoyed yard work and fishing outings with his friends.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Jane Anderson Hamm; sons, Stephen Evins Hamm and Richard Anderson Hamm (Carole); daughter, Susan Hamm Gilbert (Matthew); and grandchildren, Ellyn Hamm, Andy Hamm, Abby Valentine (Scott) and Elizabeth Jane Gilbert.
A family graveside service will be held on Friday, August 21,2020, at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Home for Children, P.O. Drawer 577, Talladega, AL 35161.
