Robert “Bobby” Hammer, longtime resident of Albertville, AL., passed away Sunday morning, June 30, at his home, at the age of 91.
He was first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ.
He was born on October 17, 1932, in Knoxville, TN to the late Arthur Bernard (A.B) and Ruth Sapp Hammer. The family moved from Knoxville to Anniston and eventually to Guntersville, AL where he would graduate from Marshall County High School in 1950.
After high school, Bobby attended the University of Tennessee—Chattanooga where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
After college, he moved to Loudon, TN to operate a Hammer’s Store location there. Loudon is where he met his future wife, Wanda Williams. After dating for approximately two years, they were engaged and later married, moving to Albertville, AL to take over operations at Hammer’s Store where he, along with Wanda, owned and operated the store from 1959 to his retirement in 2012.
Anyone who knew him knows that outside of his adoration of his wife and family, his true love and burden was telling others of the love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When introduced to someone, once passed the pleasantries, he would dive in to find out their relationship status with Jesus.
Bobby had a work ethic like no other. He would wake every morning at 4:00, study his Bible from 4-6 while drinking coffee, get ready and go into work where he would be all day, doing as much manual labor as executive duties.
In later years, he changed this ritual to include a 3 mile walk around the downtown area every morning.
He was the perfect husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend. He had a passion for giving to others in need, whether a physical need or spiritual need, with no reciprocation expected. He was gentle, kind, forgiving—always freely telling those around him how much he loved them.
With his journey on this earth complete, he leaves a massive hole in the hearts of all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, A.B. Hammer, Sr and Ruth Sapp Hammer, his brothers, Bernard and Earl Hammer, his sister, Helen Kern, and his beloved wife of 65 years, Wanda, who passed away 3 weeks ago.
He is survived by his sons Bob, Jr. (Pam) and Andy (Rich), grandchildren Logan (Mallory) and Claire, brother Fred and sister Emily Hall, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial celebration will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, July 18th, with visitation from 10 – 11, at the Fellowship Church in the sanctuary with Dr. Donald Cotton officiating.
After the service, family will receive friends at his home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gideons International (gideons.org), Changed Lives—Chattanooga, TN (changedlives.org), or the charity of your choosing.
