Willard Jackson Hammett

Reidsville -Willard Jackson Hammett, 83, of 2460 NC Hwy 87, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at his home. Funeral services will be held 12:00PM, Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Campbell and Rev. Deryl Holiday officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00-12:00 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Reidlawn Cemetery with military rites preformed by the Rockingham County Honor Guard.Mr. Hammett was born in Jacksonville, Alabama to the late Richard and Nellie Martin Hammett and relocated to High Point in the early 40's. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and a retiree of Lorillard Tobacco Company with 35 years service. He was a former member of Sedgefield Baptist Church and recently joined Thompsonville Baptist Church. He was an avid NASCAR fan and a great family man, devoted husband, wonderful father and paw paw. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Hammett and a brother who passed away Sunday evening, Richard N. Hammett. Survivors include his wife, Melba Shumate Hammett; children, Jerrold Lynn Hammett, Jeffrey Dean Hammett and wife, Melissa all of Reidsville, Glynis Allen Thomas and husband, Paul of Charlotte and Jerry Lee Allen and wife, Lori of Jamestown; grandchildren, Blake Hammett, Matthew Allen, Stephanie Allen, Michelle Way, Jacelyn Thomas and Bryson Thomas; great grandchildren, Megan Way, McKenzie Way and Drake Way; sister Helen Bryson Blackburn of Trinity; brother, William C. Hammett and wife, Connie of High Point; several nieces including Linda Blackburn and Carolyn Bryson and a very special brother-in-law with thanks for his devotion and care for Willard and the family, Kenneth Shumate. The family wishes to express their thanks for the care given to Mr. Hammett at the Cancer Center of Cone Hospital and a special thank you to Dr. Murinson, Robin Bass and Robin Hayes.Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, PO Box 281, Wentworth, North Carolina 27375 or Thompsonville Baptist Church, 2033 NC Hwy 87, Reidsville, North Carolina 27320.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com